Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/358877
Perspectives network comes down to those who are part of the union, who are part of active representation. Those conversations, the rele- vancies to my professional practice, come from interacting with outstanding professionals [in the union]. CTA sponsors those quality teaching conferences. We send so many people from my district to those events, and I hear what they learn — that's equal measure to the representation. For me, it's the idea we're developing together to more effectively practice our craft. LINDA HORIST: It goes back to "It takes a village." We can seek out each other for help and support. We are our own pro- fessional development. All we need to do is take advantage of the professionals with whom we work every day. MICHAEL HAYDEN: Another thing I think is relevant: In the early days it was all reactionary because of how badly people were being treated. The union would react to that. Now, the union is very proactive. That's one of the best benefi ts of our union, particularly for our younger members, because we get great professional development. When the magazine shares ideas and specific practices, that helps all of us. That's the union I love. I love what I'm reading. LINDA HORIST: I read and think, what can I do in the class- room? What can I do tomorrow? Oh, look, they're doing that, too. I can do that type of thing. Absolutely. ANGELO BRACCO: I'm a dedicated reader. There are so many informative articles about stances on education issues, addressing the pros and cons of issues like Common Core. Being in the union is a sign of our profession. 2014 California Teachers of the Year. From left: Angelo "Ang" Bracco, Jessica Pack, Michael Hayden, Linda Horist, and Timothy Smith. Read more by searching for the 2014 Teachers of the Year at www.cde.ca.gov. Watch a video of the California Teachers of the Year discussing the Common Core State Standards and other education issues at www.cta.org/topteachersonccss. GO ONLINE GO ONLINE GO ONLINE 27 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 1 Gifted and Talented Education Certificate extension.ucsd.edu/education UCSD Extension's Specialized Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education offers training for educators who want to teach and develop programs for gifted and talented students. The program meets training requirements for educators, counselors, psychologists, administrators, and others responsible for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program services. The online program is designed for those new to gifted education and for experienced educators. The GATE Certificate is: 100% online Offers a comprehensive examination of characteristics and identification, curriculum differentiation, teaching strategies, and program develop- ment for gifted and talented students Provides resources to build challenging curriculum and innovative instructional techniques Required Courses include: Teaching the Gifted and Talented: Differentiating the Curriculum Teaching the Gifted and Talented: Recognizing Individual Differences Strategies for Teaching the Gifted and Talented Program Development for the Gifted UC San Diego Extension also offers accessible and affordable online programs for K-12 and Postsecondary Educators. New courses begin every month Most programs can be completed online within 1 year Interactive, Research-Based Programs with Practical Classroom Application Programs include: CCTC Approved Clear Credential CCTC-Approved CLAD Trough CTEL CCTC-Approved Reading Authorization Career and Technical Education (CTE) College Counseling For More Information Please contact Morgan Appel, Director of Education at: (858) 534-9273 or mappel@ucsd.edu Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Teaching Adult Learners Teaching Online Professional Development/ Salary Point Coursework