Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1525262
Stay Humble and Have Fun My advice for starting the new year is to focus on relationships first and content second, to take it slow and to work to truly get to know your students and for them to get to know you. For me, that means memorizing all 180 students' names by the second day — I use mnemonic devices and I study the roster at home that first night. When I can call each kid by name as they enter on day two, it completely changes the dynamic — gone are behavior issues and engagement is elevated. Be open about your expectations and communicate that you don't care what happened before this class, that in your class they will achieve at higher levels than they ever have. Use surveys to gather information about them and be willing to humanize yourself with pictures and stories. Rigor comes through relationships — so all this time spent early will pay off later in the year. My No. 1 pro tip for educators is to stay humble. When we are humble, we see our mistakes as opportunities to grow. We won't take those bad days that will happen as per- sonally as we might — and we will be more approachable and empathetic toward our students. Be humble with your colleagues. Humility also spurs learning and growing — the key to the practice of education. Another pro-tip: Get kids talking and discussing all throughout the period. Discussion scaffolds critical thinking, increases engagement and is foundational for deep learning. They won't talk at first because they have been conditioned to sit quietly in classrooms — but coach them on it, motivate, cajole and facilitate, and within a few weeks the classroom will be alive with conversation and ideas about your content. Go small group or neighbors first and then bring it to whole class. How many kids sit in school and never say a word in their classes? Don't let that happen in your room — give them voice. When I first started, I would take stacks of student work home to grade. Now I realize how unnecessary this is and how it leads to burnout. Create a classroom where learning and feedback are happen- ing during the class period. Streamline grading practices and don't assign rote busy work for homework. Make your health and well-being a priority — don't look at emails after a certain time each day, priori- tize family and friends, and exercise and do things you enjoy. Most importantly, strive to have fun every day. Cuny is also the California nominee for 2024 National Teacher of the Year. An avid union supporter, he has spoken to his school board and stood with union leader- ship to demand fair pay, a fair contract and teacher autonomy. "When I can call each kid by name as they enter on day two, it completely changes the dynamic — gone are behavior issues and engagement is elevated." —Casey Cuny Collaboration is Key for CTA Members Here are some pointers for fellow California educators to help us get off to a good start and keep moving throughout the school year. First, create an inviting and inspiring class- room environment that lets students feel your enthusiasm and passion as they enter. Welcome them at the door with a warm greeting, handshake or fist bump. Decorate your room with bright colors, inspirational quotes and student work. Set clear expectations from the beginning. Establish routines and guidelines to foster a structured and respectful learning environment. Consistency ensures that students understand what is expected of them and fosters a sense of security and trust. To get students excited about the curriculum, assign engaging, hands-on group Joseph Alvarico Mt. Diablo Education Association HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER: ENGINEERING ESSENTIALS/DESIGN, HONORS COMPUTER Casey Cuny Hart District Teachers Association HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER: HONORS ENGLISH AND SENIOR MYTH & FOLKLORE 21 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 24