Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/381166
Know & Tell At the end of the day, or even during breaks, share what you both noticed. We saw similarities in strategies we used with our students. It is validating professionally to see another teacher effectively using tactics that are implemented in your own instruction. We also noticed how we each put our own personal style into our jobs. Our discussions afterward were rewarding and informative. Each of us noted things that the other was doing almost innately. Even more significantly, we each felt supported, encouraged, and energized by the other's positive comments and authenticating feedback. It's a funny fact that teachers are sometimes clueless about the genius of their actions. Perhaps hundreds of hours went into the honing of just one little technique, yet the teacher often doesn't real- ize they are using it when they do. If nobody observed us, or we got no feedback on what we did, what references would we have to know how we're doing? Some sort of observation is necessary, isn't it? Being observed by another teacher, regardless of subject or grade level, can be extremely instruc- tive as well as validating. Go for it! So often we have little control over changes implemented in public education. By taking the reins of our own empowerment and validation, we are implementing a strength-based approach to teaching and learning by focusing on the positive things that we as educators can influence. Sustaining our fellow educators with encouragement and constructive feedback is a means to revitalize our profession. If you are ready to give peer coaching a shot, many districts pro- vide release time for educators to observe other instructors. If that is not available in your district, talk to your local union leadership to ask about supporting you in this process. If you and your peer work in different districts, perhaps the calendar would allow you to visit each other's school on breaks when the other's school is in session. It's worth a vacation day or two, we promise! Teaching is an art, not a science. And like great artists, good teach- ers improve with practice. Aside from parenting, teaching is the most important job on the planet, and we need to do all that we can to enable one another to be the best that we can be for our students. Peer coaching is wonderful to help achieve this goal. So, go for it! You won't need any coaching to feel glad that you did. Lysa Sassman, Auburn Union Teachers Association president, teaches second grade at Rock Creek School in Auburn. Ed Auerbach, Stockton Teachers Association, is a high school government/economics teacher at Health Careers Academy in Stockton. Grocery store and gas bonus rewards apply to the first $1,500 in combined purchases in these categories each quarter.** For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card, call the toll-free number above or visit www.ctamemberbenefits.org. * You will qualify for $100 bonus cash rewards if you use your new credit card account to make any combination of Purchase transactions totaling at least $500 (exclusive of any transaction fees, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Limit one (1) bonus cash rewards offer per new account. This one- time promotion is limited to new customers opening an account in response to this offer. Other advertised promotional bonus cash rewards offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Allow 8-12 weeks from qualifying for the bonus cash rewards to post to your rewards balance. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither Bank of America, its affiliates, nor their employees provide tax advice. ** The 2% cash back on grocery store purchases and 3% cash back on gas purchases apply to the first $1,500 in combined purchases in these categories each quarter. After that, the base 1% earn rate applies to those purchases. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. ©2014 Bank of America Corporation MB1014-AD-CTA Earn more cash back for the things you buy most with the CTA Cash Rewards credit card. Special CTA Member Offer: $100 Cash Rewards Bonus* cash back everywhere, every time cash back at grocery stores cash back on gas 1% 2% 3% 1.866.867.6323 Learn more and apply today! Refer to Priority Code VAB9G6 www.ctamemberbenefits.org