Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/25821
a licensed clinical psychologist at Virgin- ia State University. School districts typi- cally contribute between $2,000 and $2,500 per teacher for food and housing during the retreat, and CTA pays for workshop facilitators and materials. It is cost-effective, since an individual dis- missal hearing can cost tens of thousands of dollars, according to Robin Devitt, a CTA staff member who teaches the pro- gram in Southern California. Rescuing careers Those referred to the program are veteran teachers who, at some point, ex- perienced success in the classroom be- fore burnout took over. Many of those who enter Survive and Thrive say they feel they have lost their personal power and that administration is out to get them, says Devitt. “They feel they are under a microscope, that everything has to be perfect, that they are constantly criticized, and that nothing they ever do is praised by the media, parents or their administration. They feel everyone is beating up on them.” These teachers need a break. The re- treat, held in Big Bear, is a time of re- flection, soul-searching, and bolstering skills in areas such as time management, stress management, health and nutri- tion, and building productive relation- ships. The intervention curriculum is divided into areas around four core questions: > Where am I? > Why am I there? > Where do I want to be? > How do I get there and stay there? Participants are counseled to the point where they can be successful once again, or they are encouraged to exit the profession. “They live with us, and are complete- ly immersed in the experience from 7 in the morning until 9 at night,” says De- vitt. “It’s a very intense, aggressive cur- riculum.” At first, Luevano was apprehensive “It’s not a quick fix, and it wasn’t quick damage. It took a while to get there, and it takes a while to get out.” and fearful of going through the pro- gram. Soon, he realized he wasn’t the only one facing a crisis; other teachers expressed similar feelings and shared them freely with one another and the staff. Enveloped in support and under- standing, Luevano decided to let down his guard. Dr. Byron Greenberg, Clinical Psychologist, Virginia State University Greenberg, the clinical psychologist in the program, says that many teaching careers have been salvaged through Sur- vive and Thrive. “Most climb their way out,” he says. “These people have given so much to others, and it’s wonderful to give back to them.” He is presently col- lecting data to determine the program’s success rate. After leaving the program, there are follow-up sessions at intervals of three, six and nine months. Sometimes partic- ipants feel better right away, become de- pressed again, and then slowly recover. “It’s not a quick fix, and it wasn’t quick damage,” says Greenberg. “It took a while to get there, and it takes a while to get out.” Luevano is extremely glad to be out of “I tried to be open-minded,” says Lu- evano. “There were workshops, semi- nars and exercises that made me think about goal setting and what I wanted to accomplish. I realized I was human and could only accomplish so much.” Finding confidence Because most participants are deal- ing with personal issues as well, the pro- gram’s focus is on regaining confidence and perspective, rather than on specific teaching strategies. “We talk about the differences of being assertive, aggressive and passive, and how they can get their needs met while respecting the needs of others. We give them the skills and the tools to look at them- selves and help them remember why they went into teaching. We tell participants to focus on what gives them joy.” the black hole he once felt himself sinking into. During Survive and Thrive he began writing in his journal to keep in touch with his feelings. He continues to journal regularly about the positive things on the job and things he can do better. “It gave me a new outlook on life,” says Luevano. “I was reinvigorated. I would recommend this program to any teacher who feels de- pressed or downtrodden, because it’s a wonderful opportunity for change.” For more information about the Survive and Thrive program, contact Robin De- vitt, rdevitt@cta.org, (562) 478-1355. WWW Learn about how another teacher pulled herself out of a career rut through Peer Assistance and Review at cta.org/ par-saves-career. FEBRUARY 2011 | www.cta.org 15