Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1017146
JENNIFER TWEEDY, Caruthers Unified Teachers Association, agriculture: "Make sure you have relationships with colleagues so you have people to talk to that can relate to your situa- tions. Also remember the office staff; if you take care of them, they take care of you." MELISSA WEST: "[By] eating my lunch in the teachers' lounge … I connect with other teachers. We communicate about things that are happening at the school, share what is happening with our families, and share ideas of what we might be doing in our classrooms that we are proud of or need help with. Your teacher col- leagues are integral in helping you feel successful and not alone. "I and two other teachers in my district who teach TK [meet] to plan on our own at least once a quarter. We call each other throughout the year and discuss what is working, what isn't. We share ups and downs and offer each other support." ALEXIS WEINER: "Finding a strong support system is key: the teacher next door who can host a student who is trying your patience for a little while, your department chair/grade- level lead who can set you up with curricular materials, a mentor who can observe you impartially and provide concrete feedback, an association representative who can ensure that you are being treated fairly and with respect, an administrator who is the embodiment of a master teacher. "Find someone (or a group) with whom you can eat lunch. Plan with other members of your grade-level or same-subject team. Socialize with other new or newish colleagues at your site, whether it be a TGIF or a game night. Go to site social commit- tee or local association social events — even if you don't know anyone. Sign up for district or association professional development. You'll meet people who teach similar grades or subjects, and you'll walk away with new ideas to grow your practice." the sweet student notes to read again later. Reflect on what worked, what caused students to get excited, what made you smile through your day." JENNIFER TWEEDY: " The hardest thing is learning to find a perfect balance for work and personal life. Having two kids of my own who keep me very busy and my job which is also demanding, I pick and choose what I can do and do not sweat the little things. I can't do it all." THERESA WETHERHOLD: " Take advantage of your time out of the classroom to do what you love. Bring these experiences back to your students to inspire them to carpe diem!" MELISSA WEST: "I try to not take things home to work on. I have found that if I don't finish something at school, it can wait. In doing so, I'm able to disconnect and recharge with my family, which makes me a better teacher each day." Build a support network " Don't beat yourself up if things aren't going smoothly. Classroom management is developed over time and with experience." — Alexis Weiner, Burbank Teachers Association THERESA WETHERHOLD: "We can be the best at our jobs, but if we don't work well with others, we will be much less successful. Be friendly, respectful, hum- ble, approachable and positive. Reach out to seasoned teachers who have 'been there, done that,' and can help give you some perspective." 39 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 018