Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
L A S T Y E A R , Jayson Chang, a new social studies teacher at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose, went it alone. "I knew next to nothing about unions and CTA," recalls Chang. "I told myself I was just trying to survive in my classroom." When he realized that CTA was there to offer support and help new teachers survive, it made a world of difference. "I attended the Good Teaching Conference North and discovered CTA has a plethora of resources — trainings, professional development, lesson planning — to support me when I need it," says the East Side Teachers Association member. " This support helped me to stay afloat." Union support — and concern over Betsy DeVos' appointment as secretary of education — prompted him to become active. He became ESTA's webmaster and is revamping the website to increase awareness of the benefits of union involvement, as well as build- ing community on Facebook and Twitter. He is also helping Santa Clara County Service Center Council increase its online presence. The millennial educator is working with his chap- ter 's member engagement committee to create a new teacher subcommittee. "CTA has a plethora of resources — trainings, professional development, lesson planning — to support me when I need it." Find and give support benefits both teachers and students." And changes are being made. During an informal discussion about class size last year, a timeline was set to reduce the number of students in crowded classrooms, and it eventually happened. UTR collaborated with the school board, community orga- nizations and families to get a "Safe Haven Resolution" passed, which protects undocumented students, families and staff. In November 2016, Gran was elected to CTA State Council, and the millennial teacher is now part of his chapter 's negotiating committee and executive board. He is involved in plans to survey members online about their needs and how chapter leadership can best meet those needs. Teaching can be isolating, he observes, because teachers tend to stay in their classrooms. That, in turn, can lead to feelings of powerlessness, a belief that nothing will ever change. "But when you get involved in your union, things happen," he says. " You realize you aren't alone. You meet cool people. And you discover: Together, you make a difference." Jayson Chang shows the ESTA website he created. "I want to help build a bridge between our local association and members who are new to the profession or are just coming into the district ," says Chang. "I would like this committee to serve as a resource and information hub to new members, with the long-term goal of grooming new leadership. I think connect- ing new members with our union can increase retention and decrease burnout and turnover." He envisions creating a Google Drive site that's a "one-stop shop kind of place" where members find resources, support and more through collaboration and sharing. "I'm excited about connecting with new members and letting them know the union is here to support them," says Chang. "It's so much easier when you realize you don't have to go it alone." 69 A P R I L / M AY 2 018