In 2020, the status quo was shaken up, challenged, and, quite possibly, forever altered. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis—systemic racism and the killing of Black men and women by police—fueled months of protest. This issue considers the macro effects of a microscopic virus and how the demand to end structural racism will require us to reshape education to ensure a more just and equitable future.

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” President FDR wrote this message to educators in September 1938, during American Education Week. His words were clear: An educated democracy is the only democracy that works.

Students, staff, faculty and friends came together to celebrate the capstone event of USC Rossier’s Centennial Celebration on Aug. 24 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The interactive exhibits highlighted not only impactful moments and people from the school’s history, but also the current work and experts who will transform education in the next century.

“Teacher” is just one of many roles required of this generation of educators. They have to navigate natural and political forces, find new ways to collaborate, develop novel techniques to engage students and still make time for personal and professional growth.

Insight flows from many sources — from momentous personal and familial histories, from deep commitments to communities and ideals, from decades of professional research and service. At our best, we draw these sources together into a collective vision for the future of education.

Equity is not the same as equality, diversity or inclusiveness. It is not about espousing policies intended to benefit all students. Practices that work well for white students may be harmful to students of color and perpetuate inequality.

At a time when the direction of national education priorities is unclear, collaboration among teachers, administrators and researchers is charting a path forward for the more than 6 million public school students throughout the state.