In my previous position, I frequently used the professinal list-serv as a PLC. I'll need to look for a relevant local org!
A huge learning curve for me was going from being the "go to" person in my field, to being the person who always has questions or issues was very challenging
Advisory committees and meetings with the public help keep you in touch with the needs of your community and how you can use it to strengthen your program. The mentor assignment is also an incredible resource to new teachers so they have someone that is a peer to go to with questions instead of looking to their supervisor which may seem more intimidating.
Do not be afraid to "bother" coworkers, we are all here to learn, to do our jobs as educators to the best of our abilities.
Effective CTE teaching takes collaboration, an instructor should never be afraid to ask for help which is something we all struggle with at one point or another, so this was a definite reminder to always ask more questions. Additionally the importance of an advisory committee is very real. Having a well run advisory committee that is efficient at problem solving can often make a world of difference when it comes to seeking support from our peers.
Having a mentor really helps and has helped me succeed as a first time instructor with her guidance.
I have had the fortune of being given a mentor, I now know more of what that means to me and my success as a new CTE teacher.
Also I was unaware of the community within CTE programs/classes. The CTE professional team wants all its players to succeed and is there to help you
I have started to put together an advisory committee. It is great to have people in industry there to help ensure that you are teaching what is needed now and not what was needed last year.
It is important that educators actively work to participate in organizations that support the development of your CTE program. This extends beyond technical considerations to teaching best practices and engagement of peers and mentors for productive discussion.
It's important to consider the different support groups at your disposal, especially within the first year. You don't want to find yourself sitting on an island!
I need to “codify” lab practices, cleaning up after themselves, safety procedures, and note taking (probably more). My students are coming in with limited skillsets/knowledge (or lax attitudes). By codify, implement a way to put these practices into the curriculum (student grades). Of course, then I have to effectively teach it.
My situation is different (teaching :pre-release: to adult felons in a prison school), so some of the things don't really apply. Happily, I have plenty of support and have sought out one veteran teacher who has really been a good sound board for ideas, etc.
The idea of a mentor is a great tool. I wish I had one. I get told so many different and opposing rules, policies, advice, and so much hoop jumping that is different for each teacher, that I doubt I will return next school year.
Ask a person who finds it difficult to ask for help; what I learned most is the importance of community partnership and having a mentor to succeed as a CTE instructor.
I most enjoyed the section on advisory councils. I think having that partnership and transferring that information to the class is very important.
Having a good mentor is key to having a successful experience teaching.
Having a mentor is so important! Every new employee, teacher or not, CTE or not should be given a mentor.
We have an advisory council, but now I feel like we should be doing so much more with it!
I set the tone in the room, and starting off strong with boundaries and classroom management is important.
I have learned that its ok to ask for help. Its important to have a good relationship with Administrators and coworkers.
Mentoring has always been a part of my strategy in providing the help that is needed.
