Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/556394
"We came up with the idea after our field marketing managers visited schools to explain California Casualty benefits," said Mark Goldberg, communications special- ist for the company. "We saw terrible conditions in school lounges. We work closely with educators, so it is deeply gratifying to see smiles and excitement when they realize our company cares enough about them to do a makeover. We do it because we believe teachers are important." Two School Lounge Makeover contests are held each year, and winners are picked at random, with no purchase required. 'Extreme makeover' makes for extremely happy educators The door finally opened and staff ventured into their new island-themed lounge, painted a soothing shade of light pink. The space had new meeting tables and chairs, comfy couches, bistro tables and ample seating. Black and white throw rugs brightened up the linoleum floor. Hand-me-down appliances were replaced by a new refrigerator, a microwave, toaster ovens and a coffee maker. The yucky green drapes were replaced with vertical blinds. There were succulent plants, artwork and floor lamps. It had the look and feel of, well, home. Staff reacted with oohs, aahs and applause. Many took turns hug- ging Tanaka, who said she plans to return as a substitute teacher and visit them in the lounge during her breaks. Trays of celebratory snacks like cupcakes and muffins were quickly emptied. Happy school employees headed off to class. "I hope you enjoy the room," called Tanaka after them, looking teary-eyed. "You have a really hard job and deserve a really great place where you can come and relax." Is your staff hangout worthy of being a "lounge act" in the Educator because it's unique or special in some way? Perhaps it has a pingpong table, a lending library or an interesting mascot? If so, we'd like to see it and pos- sibly run a photo of your school hangout in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Please email a few high-resolution, in-focus photos of the overall room, plus close-ups of special features, to sgoodwin@cta.org with your name, the name of your school, your local chapter, and personal telephone contact information. It's OK to include a CTA member or two in the photo. Above, David Dorf, Jorge Ramos, Chris Jimenez and Herman Ruvalcaba enjoy the new sitting area; at right, the revamped dining space. Madrid Middle School teachers and staff react with smiles and applause at their stylish new digs. Share your lounge act with the Educator Editor's note: The deadline to enter the next California Casualty $7,500 School Lounge Makeover contest is Oct. 2, 2015, with the winner announced in November. Complete rules and the entry form can be found at schoolloungemakeover.com. All members of a school are encouraged to enter to increase their chance of being picked. 32 cta.org Feature