Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
Ericca Dent SECOND-GRADE TEACHER Burbank Teachers Association 2021 LA County Teacher of the Year Reach out before and say hello. Send a postcard to introduce yourself before the first day of school. This is a great way to build relationships with students and their families. Have students practice routines and procedures from Day 1. It's tempting to jump right into academics, but if routines aren't in place, much of your time will be spent trying to man- age behaviors. So, practice, practice, practice. Use music for transitions. Use a song for each tran- sition throughout the day, such as lining up, coming to the carpet or packing up. When students hear the song, they will instantly know what to do and com- plete the actions by the end of the song. Susie Prado FIF TH-GRADE TEACHER Garden Grove Education Association Share your story with students. I was an English learner, and I share my story about the struggles of being a student with limited English, and how much my life improved because I worked hard and asked a lot of questions. It helps students relate to me and understand that they too can succeed. Tell students every day counts. I let them know that every day I give 100 percent, because their fam- ilies are relying on me to provide a good education – and I expect them to do the same. I share that we must make our families proud and work toward being successful adults. Bring in guest speakers. I enjoy bringing in visitors throughout the year to share their experiences in ele- mentary school, college and the workforce. It's a great way for students to learn about different colleges and careers and start thinking about the future. "If routines aren't in place, much of your time will be spent trying to manage behaviors. So, practice, practice, practice." "I bring in visitors throughout the year to share their experiences in elementary school, college and the workforce." 17 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2