Collaboration is Key for CTA Members

Joseph Alvarico
Mt. Diablo Education Association
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER: ENGINEERING ESSENTIALS/DESIGN, HONORS COMPUTER

Here are some pointers for fellow California educators to help us get off to a good start and keep moving throughout the school year. First, create an inviting and inspiring classroom environment that lets students feel your enthusiasm and passion as they enter. Welcome them at the door with a warm greeting, handshake or fist bump. Decorate your room with bright colors, inspirational quotes and student work. Set clear expectations from the beginning. Establish routines and guidelines to foster a structured and respectful learning environment. Consistency ensures that students understand what is expected of them and fosters a sense of security and trust.

To get students excited about the curriculum, assign engaging, hands-on group activities during the first week. I facilitate engineering design challenges like the spaghetti marshmallow tower and the longest paper bridge. These activities set the expectation that my class will be interactive and hands-on. They provide opportunities for side conversations, allowing me to learn about students’ interests and assess their communication skills. I can observe who naturally takes on roles such as leader, designer or researcher, see how they handle disagreements, gauge their engagement, and note their responses to setbacks. These observations help me understand my students better and foster a collaborative and dynamic classroom environment.

Collaboration is key. Share resources, lesson plans and best practices with colleagues. Utilize technology. Explore generative AI to enhance and streamline lessons. Use design software like Canva for quicker, more effective presentations. Engage in professional development to stay updated with educational trends and technologies. Continuous learning benefits us and enriches our students’ experiences.

Starting strong and staying strong is crucial, and self-care is key when the weeks get long. Here are my go-to self-care items that you can try: Schedule time for yourself. Unwind by reading a book, catching up on favorite TV shows or working on home DIY projects. These activities keep my creative juices flowing and help me return to class more engaged and ready to try new things. Take regular breaks, stay physically active and spend quality time with loved ones. Taking care of our health enables us to give our best to our students.

Read more from the other 2024 California Teachers of the Year.