Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/129419
> CREDITS editor's note Wow. You are awesome. Top Ten to do list 10 Share your opinions (Page 7) 9 Watch your paycheck (Page 34) 8 Picture this (Page 44) 7 Support colleagues (Page 38) 6 See CTA ad campaign (Page 40) 5 Regard legislative action (Page 42) 4 Network and learn (Page 27) 3 Consider State Council committees (Page 30) 2 Save money traveling (Page 10) 1 Take a pop quiz (Page 46) The California Educational Society, now CTA, was formed 150 years ago. Extraordinary professionals then… and now. Read about CTA member Rebecca Mieliwocki's incredible year as the 2012 National Teacher of the Year (page 36), and the wisdom of Mama G, who's retiring at age 95 (page 32). Best of all (from one whose guilty pleasure is eavesdropping), listen to colleagues talk teacher issues. San Jose area teachers Michelle Makinson and Sarah Payne discuss subject matter and test scores (page 16), while in Grass Valley, Irene Frazier mentors Guy Greever (page 24). Alicia Garcia, from Calipatria, and George Cheung, from Covina, chat about technology and teaching (page 28), and Cynthia López Elwell, from Ontario, and James Norwood, from Moreno Valley, share about transitioning to the Common Core State Standards (page 43). See this "listen in" icon? That's how you'll identify this eavesdropping series, which, by the way, LISTEN IN! was suggested by readers like you as part of our redesign process. A series within the magazine rather than in several issues. Cool idea. Speaking of cool ideas, your colleagues are keeping kids in school learning. See how they're preventing suspensions in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Sacramento (page 18). And it's that time of year to plan your summer. One option: attend Summer Institute — it's a great time to network, learn, and get professional growth and college credits (page 27). And why not plan something exciting or adventurous that's guaranteed to inspire envy and enhance your teaching? Fremont, Visalia and El Monte members share advice and escapades, plus you'll find travel savings and tips from the Educator's resident travel expert, Sherry PosnickGoodwin (page 10). CTA members have accomplished so much in 150 years. For example, did you know CTA was part of a successful lawsuit to desegregate schools for Mexican Americans (Mendez v. Westminster)? It was in 1946, eight years before Brown v. Board of Education (page 45). We, who are CTA, have so much to be proud of. CTA is kicking off its sesquicentennial celebration this month with an innovative media campaign. Have you seen the TV and radio spots, the newspaper and Web ads (page 40)? They're based on your professionalism and good work. And like you, they're awesome. Happy birthday, CTA! Cynthia Menzel Editor in Chief 4 California Educator May 2013 EDITOR IN CHIEF STAFF WRITER CTA WEB EDITOR CTA WEB EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WEB ASSISTANT Cynthia Menzel Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Karyn Ferrera Donhoff Tiffany Hasker Craig Hamilton Gladdie Cabral CTA ELECTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY-TREASURER Dean E. Vogel Eric C. Heins Mikki Cichocki-Semo BOARD OF DIRECTORS José Alcalá, Larry Allen, Gayle Bilek, E. Toby Boyd, Donald L. Bridge, Tyrone V. Cabell, Elana Davidson, Don Dawson, Dana Dillon, David Goldberg, Jim Groth, Terri Jackson, Leslie Littman, Marty G. Meeden, George Melendez, Theresa Montaño, Mary Rose Ortega, Michael Stone, Kendall Vaught, KC Walsh, Curtis Washington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE EXEC. DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Carolyn Doggett Rebecca Zoglman Jonathan Goldman CONTRIBUTORS Scott Buschman, Lori Easterling, Len Feldman, Bill Guy, Stephen R. Harris III, Dina Martin, Mike Myslinski, Jay Ortiz, Frank Wells EDITORIAL INFORMATION California Educator is published for the information and edification of CTA members. The editorial philosophy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org. Publication of advertising in the California Educator does not indicate CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising. For advertising rates and information, contact WebSolutions Media 5666 Spruce Harbor Court, Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 838-3434 websol@earthlink.net, websolutionsmedia.com CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year, Sept. 1–Aug. 31, are $827, including a $20 voluntary contribution. Up to $18.45 of CTA annual dues is designated for CTA/ABC political activities to support state and local candidates and/or initiatives and is not deductible for income tax purposes. 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