Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
MELISSA JOHNSON, second- year probationary teacher at George W. Bush Elementary School and Stockton Teachers Association member, created a behavior chart based on baseball called "Batter Up." If students get strike one, they receive a warning. If there is a strike two, they lose recess. If there's a strike three, " You're out" and their parents are contacted. Students are rewarded for base hits, or doing what they are sup- posed to do. At the end of the day, if they have gotten all base hits, they receive a home run. If students get four home runs, they can join the Home Run Club and enjoy lunch with their teacher on Fridays. LENA HUNT Third-grade teacher who just finished probation at Shasta Meadows Ele- mentary School in Redding Enterprise Elementary Teachers Association Share your ideas with others. Even if you are new, share what you know so your colleagues can value and appreciate you. I believe new teachers have a lot to offer. See your students as people. Take time to build relationships with them. With so much pressure on academics, rules and regulations, don't lose sight of what is best for students. Try to normalize the evaluation pro‑ cess. There can be stress in knowing you are going to be evalu- ated, but try to see it as just another day in the classroom. If you nor- malize the experience, it's easier. SHERRY TUGGLE 17-year educator now on probation after switching to a new district, who teaches second grade at Shasta Meadows Elementary School in Redding Enterprise Elementary Teachers Association Communicate with students, parents, administrators and your support teams at school. If you don't get out there and have conversations that are easy, you will strug- gle with the ones that are difficult. Show empathy. Let others know how much you care about your students. Don 't react defensively. Assume that most of your colleagues and administrators are there to support you. Don't assume you are being attacked if someone makes a suggestion. Connect with staff. Go to the lunchroom. Attend after-school func- tions and Christmas parties. Get to know your colleagues. Current Probation Legislation Lawmakers are working on several bills that could affect teacher probation periods. CTA opposes AB 1220, which extends probation from two years to three, does not provide due process, and offers teachers limited support. CTA supports AB 1164, which extends probation to three years and includes peer assistance and review (PAR) and other programs for coaching and professional development, as well as due process protections in the third year. For details, see page 54. 30 cta.org Back to School T H E P R O F E S S I O N