Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
CTA members offer up their best Tips From Welcome students and build community Get your professional development on JIM GOBLE, Willow Cove Elementary, Pittsburg Education Association: "Find someone in your grade level at your school site or someone who has a ton of experience who is easy to talk to and you can be open and collaborate with. Try to get to know teachers at other sites in your district and collaborate with them over coffee. They can have a wealth of experience to pass on. At the same time, be open to passing on what you have learned to other teachers." MARY BERELSON, Glenshire Elementary, Tahoe Truckee Education Association: "Copy someone who's already doing it right. If there is someone on your staff who you think is doing something more effectively than you are, be assertive and ask for help. Offer something in return. Emulate greatness. Make small steps in the right direction. Don't reinvent the wheel." ERINN BRENNAN, Shasta Meadows Elementary, Enterprise Elementary Teachers Association: "I always wel- come students with a crossword puzzle made out of their names. It's my way of showing how we are a classroom unit and we all need to work together. It makes them feel welcome to see their names on the board — and everyone loves a crossword puzzle." 40 cta.org Back to School B R I G H T I D E A S Prep kids for the real world GLENN DUMAS, Rancho Verde High School, Val Verde Teachers Association: " To teach career readiness skills, I conduct business handshakes every day when I greet my senior students at the door: firm handshake, eye con- tact and a pleasant look! "I ask students to research careers that match their interests, and choose their 'dream job.' They then create a virtual résumé. I bring in commu- nity leaders and others to perform mock job interviews with each student as a part of their midterm. It's very intense! However, students immediately gain enough confidence to go out and easily obtain jobs within our community because of this experience."