FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BURLINGAME -- From high-stakes testing to blocking bullying to tips on dealing with the new federal education law, timely workshops offered during the California Teachers Association's 52nd annual Good Teaching Conference this weekend promise a revealing glimpse into today's public school campuses.
This year's conference offers an array of cutting edge classroom techniques for the 900 Northern California teachers taking part in the event. Bay Area teachers are giving and attending seminars at the conference, which kicks off today at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel in Burlingame. A second Good Teaching conference for Southern California teachers is March 7-9 in Long Beach.
"Teachers work every day to keep public education improving, and this conference lets educators share their secrets with colleagues," said Wayne Johnson, president of the 330,000-member CTA. Johnson will speak about the state budget crisis impact on schools at 11:45 a.m. Saturday in Grand Ballroom E-J on the hotel's second floor. On Sunday in the same room, the National Teacher of the Year, Riverside County educator Chauncey Veatch, will speak at 10:20 a.m.
WHAT: CTA's 52nd annual Good Teaching Conference.
WHEN: Kickoff is today (Friday, Jan. 24) with registration and a reception tonight. The conference ends at 1 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Various rooms at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame.
VISUALS: Dynamic speakers, Bay Area teachers in discussions, CTA leaders.
EDITORS: A SAMPLING OF CTA SEMINARS ON TAP,
WITH TIMES, ROOM LOCATIONS AT THE MARRIOTT…
High-Stakes Testing: From SAT-9 to California Standards Tests:
California's statewide STAR testing program is moving from being centered around the SAT-9 off the shelf test to including the California Standards Test, which is aligned with the state's academic standards. This session will review the need for California to build quality tests that support education, and provide a guide to how standards-based tests can support instruction. 1:15-4 p.m. Saturday, Monterey Room, 2nd Floor
Reclaim Your Passion for Teaching:
The daily grind of teaching and educational bureaucracy can wear on educators. Teachers can forget what inspired them to enter the profession in the first place. Using humor and candor, this special session will allow teachers to reconnect with their true purpose for being a professional educator and to renew their teaching spirit. 2:45-4 p.m. Saturday, Grand Ballroom Salon J, 2nd Floor
There's Magic in Math:
Think math is dull? Come see how magic tricks can capture students' attention, stimulate exploration of new math ideas and reinforce basic skills. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Newport Beach, 1st Floor
CTA President to Speak Saturday On Budget Crisis:
Wayne Johnson, president of the 330,000-member California Teachers Association, will deliver a luncheon speech Saturday that partly will focus on how the state budget crisis impacts schools, and how teachers should fight back. CTA members are lobbying hard against Gov. Davis' proposals to cut $6.7 billion from schools and community colleges over the next 18 months. 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Grand Ballroom E-J, 2nd Floor
National Teacher of Year Speaks Sunday:
California teacher Chauncey Veatch is an inspiration to his Coachella Valley students and the audiences across the country that have heard him speak since he was named National Teacher of the Year for 2002 last April. A retired U.S. Army colonel, his students, many of whom are from migrant families, have gone on to excel in academics and in later life. 10:20-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Grand Ballroom E-J, 2nd Floor
Everything You Wanted to Know about the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) But Were Afraid to Ask:
The new unfunded, federal mandates, signed into law on Jan. 8, 2002, have dramatic implications for schools receiving Title 1 grants. The ESEA impacts all public school students and educators. This session provides an overview of ESEA and its impact on teaching and learning. Offered twice on Saturday, 8:45-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:30 a.m., Anaheim, 1st Floor
Blocking the Bullying:
Teachers will learn how to stop the name-calling that can lead to playground or classroom fights. This workshop provides a model for developing a successful anti-prejudice, anti-bullying program at schools. 8:45-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Grand Ballroom Salon C, 2nd Floor