Creating support systems, whether online tools, mentorships, or professional communities of support are critical to the success of a new CTE teacher.
I appreciated the scenario provided. I walk in and my world was left a mess by my predecessor. I wish that wasn't the baseline expectation as a new teacher in education. Yet, it's a parallel tangent to my post in one of these forums between the disconnection between the teacher as angelic role model and the reality of the profession. The striking reality of this disconnection might explain the turnover rate for not only CTE teachers, but all other teachers, as well. Yet the baseline expectation for those in CTE is that these folks have retired from another industry that will theoretically provide a foundation of professional experience where one might draw strength. Having had positive experiences in other industries, each professional can choose to run or become part of the solution? Seems honest to articulate this clear, daily, self-reflective practice of educational professionals. I really like the stay away from those who are negative advice... yet so much of this jading is genuinely earned, over decades of watching the system and those who frequently rise within it. The powerlessness within which teachers frequently operate, especially in areas of the greatest need begs the question of how they can truly organize and address the situations where teachers may have a legitimate cause to question actions and to be able to contribute to making changes. Rarely, in nearly thirty years in teaching, have I met a teacher without some legitimate times when they truly were powerless, completely disrespected, and thoroughly unsupported by their administration. There is cause to listen to those who are 'negative' - not in an effort to lose one's identity and join the collective of negativity, but in a quest to understand how to prevent these situations from recurring for others. Systemic improvement and change only comes as professionals are able to work through their own traumatic experiences in productive ways. Sitting with those who wallow in self-pity isn't valuable, yet empowering those who can come to the other side of them and who choose to reinvest their experiences into the system of improvement is an important aspect of influencing change. Otherwise, only those with sustained negative experiences, who embrace the mindset of enduring pain 'until they can retire' or thinking recurrently of 'seven more years left'.. 'if I didn't need the health insurance'... and the like, will be the voices left in education. And with those voices as the predominant choir, it's not surprising students are disenchanted and disconnected from the adults and the potential they bring for influence.
It is helpful if we are open to many different types of support as a CTE teacher. Having a mentor can be very helpful for giving advice and sharing concerns and celebrations. Try to be around those who are positive and don't play the blame game.
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Your First Year as a CTE Teacher (Part 1) --> Classroom and Laboratory Organizational Strategies
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Organizing your classroom and dealing with all the problems that often arise as a 1st year educator can be daunting, but having a good mentor can help CTE teachers be successful.
I, like some other CTE teachers, find myself on an island of one when it comes to content. This reminded me how important it is for me to collaborate with close content areas in my building and other subject-alike teachers in the district.
I am really wanting to learn more about advisory councils. There seemed to be a few good references on advisory councils that I am really interested in checking out the links and really seeing where it takes me. I love the idea of mentors and mentees as this was not around when I started teaching 20 years ago.
I've had the incredible luck of developing my professional CTE support network, and this module definitely called all the primary resources a new teacher benefits greatly from. My supervisor, fellow educators, and faculty mentor have all been absolute rockstars in answering my many, MANY questions as I've progressed at my institution.
I have learned that you have to have a large vocabulary and be diverse in many different programs, not just your own.
Seeking out mentors in the community as an advisory board is a great idea, plus having a mentor teacher to help guide my first year. Although I am alone in my field at my school, having someone to help guide me through the process of different logistic difficulties is important.
I didn't know specific states provided mentors.
Thus far, I've learned that my CTE program does place me on an island and I am the only subject expert in the building; as a result, I need to focus on what resources I do have and seek out mentor-like collegues that can better help me navigate our system.
Mentors are very important. I have two great mentors as I've started my new career. I need to push more to create a concil for my particular program, it is still in the making.
It was comforting to know that what I am experiencing seems to be good natural, organic process and grow into being a CTE teacher. It was also nice to see that what I was doing it intuitively to develop a support network was mentioned in this overview. With that says-speaks volumes-to the fact that This was written with us newbies in mind. I appreciate that.
Having an advisory committee not only informs the direction of the program, but can also provide valuable business and community partnerships to place students during their fieldwork trianing.
I think it is very important that I be very mindful and purposeful about the development of a technical advisory committee. Intead of just a requirement, it needs to be a tool that guides and informs the program, with everything from curriculum, to fieldwork placements.
The advisory committee and especially a mentor teacher are there to help. Remember, it's OK to ask for help. Building relationships and a strong network with those that can help you is very important for everyone.
Knowing that superviors are there to help teachers is a something to always remember. We tend to fear what a supervisor may say to us when we ask questions or voice concerns but those are the people who can make change happen.
The advisory committee is there for help and by using them, you can become a more effective teacher and role model.
The advisory committee is great and a way to make sure your students and you are getting the information and help needed.
Before the module, I was unsure about what an advisory board is and now I better understand! I also understand that it is vital and important to reach out to others when you need help.
