Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/882783
L E T U S K N O W W H A T Y O U T H I N K . We accept signed email and letters (250-word limit); we excerpt user posts from CTA social media platforms. Content subject to editing for clarity and space. Photos must have identifications and permissions. Opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of CTA. Editor@cta.org; #WeAreCTA Life After School Thank you for the excellent article in the May/June issue titled "When Is It Time to Retire?" Your interviews with educators who have retired were an engaging way to pass on some good suggestions. I also appreciated your highlighting the fact that CTA/NEA-Retired membership allows CTA members to "Stay connected, be protected, and enjoy great benefits!" JIM BURFEIND President, Chico CTA/NEA-Retired New Educator Reflections It was refreshing to read "Reflections on the First Year " from your August/ September issue (page 26). To a veteran teacher of 19 years, it is helpful to be reminded of the many positive aspects of our profession. Participants shared their thoughts from CTA's New Educator Weekend, and these reflections were a powerful testament to comradery and creativity in education today. Some participants shared excitement for integrating tech- nology, while others stressed the value of collaboration. Seems like it was a successful conference! GREG GOODL ANDER Orange Unified Education Association I really appreciate the piece on new educators and their reflections on their first years. While I am a more veteran educator, my local is focused this year on attracting and retaining new teachers. One of the ways we are trying to support them is through regular, focused gatherings to help mentor and guide them to the path of tenure. Just being in a classroom and learning the routines of your campus can be daunting. Added to that, new teacher programs and often moving to a new area can lead to our probationary colleagues being incredibly overwhelmed. The infor- mation in this article will help us to be more strategic in our planning. Thanks to the Educator for continuing to inspire and support. L AUR A ANDERSON Hemet Teachers Association No One Eats Alone "Curing the Lunchtime Lonelies" was a very inspiring article to read (August/ September, page 32). I teach fourth grade, and this topic has been at the back of my mind for a while. But there is always so much to do. After reading it, I realized that the time to start is now. I typically work through my lunch, returning phone calls and emails, making copies, grad- ing, organizing myself for the upcoming lessons, meeting with my grade level, etc. Perhaps starting a "No One Eats Alone program" at my grade level will inspire other grade levels to do the same. Every school can use a program like this. TERESA BASIN Murrieta Teachers Association 3 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 017 F E E D B A C K #OurVoiceOurUnion #WeAreCTA For our full social media directory, see cta.org/social connect with us! facebook.com/ wearecta @WeAreCTA youtube.com/ californiateachers @WeAreCTA WeAreCTA