Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/619098
It all adds up SUSAN MERCER Santa Ana Educators Association President Mercer has a degree in computer and information science, and worked in the private sector for more than four years. But she always found something lack- ing. Now, as a middle school educator, colleagues oen remind her of the adage, "Heaven has a special place for those with the courage to teach middle school." I've been a math teacher in Santa Ana for more than 21 years. That's not what I planned to be. Believe it or not, teaching math to teenagers is what I've always loved. In my last assignment, I served as the district's intermediate math coordinator, helping colleagues prepare students to meet the increasingly tough mathematics challenges. I had the advantage and challenge of looking at my work from two perspectives — as a middle school teacher and as a single parent of three who were in public schools themselves. The profession matters to me both as an edu- cator and as a parent. So when in 2003 I had to confront a principal who, instead of helping us do our jobs, seemed much more inclined to get in the way, I was stymied. What could I do? It was then that I first learned the importance of collective action, of working with and organizing my col- leagues at the school. As individual teachers, we didn't have much of a voice. But raising our collective voice made all the difference in the world, and it ended up benefiting our students. That experience is what got me involved in my local teachers association. I understood how important the association is to making sure educators can practice their cra and help all of our students succeed. On any given day I meet with administrators, community leaders, and other parents to secure the support our teachers and other education support professionals need to prepare our stu- dents for the challenges of the 21st century. And we have plenty of other challenges. Now we're fol- lowing the Friedrichs v. CTA lawsuit, which is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. I sure hope their decision considers what we as educators can do for our students because of our affiliation with our union. The backers of the suit are part of the same group seeking to silence our voices and weaken our unions. Particularly at this time of year — when I see that great Frank Capra movie, It's a Wonderful Life — I reflect on the impact that my colleagues and I have every day on our students and our communities. I wouldn't trade my job for anything. 19 December 2015 / January 2016 WI15-3045 CCTC Approved Reading and Literacy Added Authorization extension.ucsd.edu/education UC San Diego Extension offers the CCTC Approved Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (previously referred to as Reading Certificate) which is a comprehensive program of study that provides students with a solid foundation in the research and methods of reading instruction. The Reading and Literacy Added Authorization program is geared towards teachers with the potential to become leaders and mentors in the area of reading. It will provide educators with the right tools to improve student achievement. Program Highlights: • The program provides participants with the skills to develop a research-based program of reading instruction for implementation in their own classrooms or as a resource for other classroom teachers • This certificate is aligned with the requirements and standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). • 100% online To view credential requirements, the program FAQs and to download an application please visit our Reading Instruction at extension.ucsd.edu/teachreading 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 Program • CCTC Approved CLAD Through CTEL Program • College Counseling Specialized Certificate • Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Specialized Certificate • Teaching Adult Learners Professional Certificate • Teaching Online Certificate • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Professional Certificate • Professional Development/Salary Point Coursework For more information, please contact Morgan Appel, Director of Education at: (858) 534-9273 or mappel@ucsd.edu