Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1400485
he says. "We all needed something to buy into, and this com- petition boosted spirits with camaraderie and friendly rivalry along the way." Winning teams received gift cards, and contestants from all teams were treated to a free lunch from a "healthy options" food truck. For some, the changes were life-altering. "I started taking care of myself," says Jacqie Lopez, a first grade teacher at Fipps Primary School who lost 24 pounds. "I had put on weight during the pandemic from sitting 55 to 60 hours per week in front of my computer and not eating well. I have started walking with a fellow teacher every day at lunch, and it's been a great stress reliever." Jessica Reyes, a chemistry teacher at Riverdale High, took up running every day and lost 12 pounds. "It became easier to deal with teenagers, Zoom issues I was having, and whatever else went wrong. I felt mentally prepared for anything." Childress may repeat the competition once the pandemic is over. "I don't want this to be a one-time thing and then forgotten. People made big changes toward a healthier lifestyle, and I'd like that to continue." "[The Pandemic Pound Loss Challenge] was exactly what we all needed to get ourselves on track, not only mentally but socially." —CAMERON MENDEZ, Riverdale Teachers Association Biggest winner Cameron Mendez Jacqie Lopez and Jessica Reyes on the move. Sign up, take part, Learn More Join CTA's Mental Health Mondays Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Nov. 15 to take on self-care and stress management, compassion fatigue and healthy and adaptive coping. For details and to register go to these calendar dates at cta.org/events. NEA is offering virtual SEL blended learning courses in self-awareness, relationship skills, social awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making. Register by Sept. 10 for the fall session Sept. 20-Oct. 29 at nea.org/social-emotional-learning-sel-courses. WestEd's "SEL for Educators" toolkit for individuals and groups examines five high-leverage practices to support social-emotional development and well-being; selcenter.wested.org/resource/sel-for-educators-toolkit/#. 26 cta.org Feature