The Delta Kappa Gamma Society Internationaldeltakappagamma.org/NC/ESNSpring2012.pdf · The Delta...

ETA STATE NEWS Published by The North Carolina State Organization

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Volume 71, Number 3 Key Women Educators Spring 2012

Gamma Kappa Chapter served breakfast to beginning teachers.

Kappa Chapter - Beth Thom-son and Mr. Davis receive the first shipment of 350 books at Whitewater Academy.

Eta State Chapters Assist Early-Career Educators

by Somer M. Lewis

The Watson School of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington supports its graduates as well as the beginning teachers in its 12 partnership districts through the First Years of Teaching Support Program. This program engages teachers in reflective decision-making focused on developing instructional practices that increase student perfor-mance. The three main components of the program are onsite support and professional growth, online mentoring, and web-based resources selected to address the responsibilities of new teachers. The program also celebrates the successes of begin-ning teachers and their potential for leadership through the annual Promise of Leadership Award. Somer M. Lewis, Teacher-in-Residence in the Watson School of Education and member of the Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, coordinates the First Years of Teaching Support Program at UNCW. In November, she was asked by her local chapter to highlight ways to support beginning teachers. During her presen-tation, Lewis highlighted teacher supply and demand in our state, as well as the impact of beginning teachers, and their capacity to improve rapidly with the support of teacher mentors. In her presentation, Lewis referenced Ellen Moir’s “Phases of First-Year Teaching” as one tool to recognize and meet the needs of beginning teachers. A complete description of the phases can be found at: http://newteachercenter.org/blog/phases-first-year-teaching. (See page 8) Eta State and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promote early-career educators in varying ways, including a partnership with the First Years of Teaching Support Program. Eta State advocates the project by encouraging chapters to initiate programs to assist early-career educators.

A small sampling of projects culled from Eta State Chapter newsletters:

Theta (Region IV, Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender) assembled Beginning Teach-er Appreciation Bags for eleven teachers at New Hanover High School. Somer M. Lewis presented a PowerPoint presentation to the chapter on beginning teachers in North Carolina. The slide from her presentation depicts six different phases of the beginning teacher.

Kappa (Region VIII, Mecklenburg) has assisted nine early career teachers at Whitewater Academy in building their classroom libraries. Through mid-February, 1,114 low level new/gently used books have been donated for the classrooms and as take-home books. The project was started last year to assist the Title I school where member Beth Thompson is principal.

follow this story on page 7

Graph courtsey of New Teacher Center, Santa Cruz, California

ETA STATE NEWS Spring 2012

Linda LittleEta State President

2011-2013

Embracing Our Vision - Designing Our Future

LEAD SERVE IMPACT

2011-2013 Eta State Officersand Appointed Personnel

PresidentLinda Little

200 Creekview Road New Bern, NC 28562

252-514-2123; (C) [email protected]

First Vice PresidentPatricia Taylor

5904 Sandford RoadWilson, 27896252-243-7349

[email protected]

Second Vice PresidentSheila Groves

1804 Huntington RoadGreensboro, NC 27408

336- 274-1079 (Fax same #) [email protected]

Recording Secretary

Patricia Clark2880 Irish Creek RoadMorganton, NC 28655

828- [email protected]

Immediate Past President Betty Marshall

6212 Dresden LaneRaleigh, NC 27612

[email protected]

Treasurer Chris Waters

2503 Brookridge Circle Greenville, NC 27858

252-756-3420 [email protected]

Executive Secretary

Ellen Gragg 2528 Washburn Road

Shelby, NC 28150 704-434-6883

[email protected]

ParliamentarianDr. Gwen Simmons

867 Castleberry CourtVass, NC 28394

910-245-2580 [email protected]

Editor

Suzanne Roberts314 Basswood Court

Lake Wylie, SC 29710803-631-5054 (C) 704-488-8352

[email protected] When contacting the officers by e-mail, please put

“Eta State” in the subject line.

Ready, Set, Play…to Win

Have you ever watched a game played where each of the players knew his/her role and yet each player worked successfully as a team to win? That reminds me of how our state committees, who have defined roles, work as a team with chapter committees to accomplish the goals of the Society.

This year each state committee chair-man was asked to lead her committee in developing the committee’s action plan, addressing all nine designated goals along with their defined roles and responsibilities. It was then that the committee’s actions were inserted into the state’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP). It was a bit challenging to identify some of the actions because committee responsibilities are rather specific, but each committee com-pleted the task successfully. Our plan seems like a sound, yet simple planning model, until we add a revised committee structure into the mix. What had been well-defined committee responsibilities suddenly became a team working under the umbrella of the Educational Excel-lence Committee (EEC) to align

duties and goals to accomplish the work of the Society. Promoting Schools for Africa, supporting beginning teachers, and engaging members in meaning-ful programs and activities became the focus.

As you discuss your chapter committee structure, I hope that, regardless of the structure you choose, your chapter will decide on your areas of focus; write your goals accordingly; write action steps to meet the goals and align your committees’ roles to help you accom-plish chapter goals and the goals of the Society.

Committees are important links within the total team of workers and like any successful team, committee members, whether state or chapter, know their roles. Together we can LEAD – SERVE- IMPACT, which will help us ALL move forward to impact education worldwide.

Linda S. Little

Follow Eta State with me on Twitter at [email protected]

Convention HighlightsApril 27-29, 2012

Friday: Pre-Conference Activity “Designing Leadership for Women” & Governor’s Mansion Tour & Tea

Friday Afternoon: Convention Opens Executive Board Meeting Opening Session: “Lead”

Saturday: Full Day of Activities Business Meeting Breakout Sessions I & II Info Fair & Vendor Sales Presidents Banquet: “Serve”

Sunday: Half-Day of Activities Ceremony of Remberance Sunday Brunch : “Impact”

See www.deltakappagamma.org/NC/for the full Schedule-At-A-Glance

&Pre-Conference Registration

Spring 2012 ETA STATE NEWS

Dr. Barbara Day Dr. Dutchess Maye

Dr. Barbara Day and Dr. Dutchess Maye published an article titled, “Teachers Identities: The Fingerprint of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for Students at Risk,” now found in the Winter 2012, Volume 78-2 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin. Dr. Maye is a spring initiate of Delta Beta Chapter.

The Bulletin is located at www.dkg.org in the Library section, page 19. A link to The Bulletin is also on the Eta State Website-News for Members.www.deltakappagamma.org/NC/

Great sadness flowed through Eta State as we received notification of the deaths of two prominent members, Dr.

Jo Hendrix and Jess McBryde. Dr. Frances Josephine “Jo” Felts Hendrix, wife of Edward H. Hendrix died January 10, 2012, at Forsyth Medical Center. Josephine Felts was born in Wilkes County on December 27, 1932.

Affectionately known to her students as “Dr. Jo,” she retired in 1996, after a teaching career that spanned 41 years.

Jo was invited into Delta Kappa Gamma Society Inter-national in 1961. She served as Treasurer and President of Beta Eta Chapter on the local level, and as Secretary and Finance Chairman of the state organization. At the time of her passing, she was serving as President of Beta Eta and Regional IX Director. Delta Kappa Gamma was represented at her funeral by 27 sisters who participated in a special memorial service and each placed a red rose on Dr. Jo’s casket.

Jesslyn McBride (known as “Jess”), a member of Mu chapter of Eta State and a past Florida State President, passed awayin late December, 2011. Jess was known to many in Eta State as a true leader. A couple of weeks before she passed away, Mu State Florida named their state leadership training seminar after her. It is now known as “The Jesslyn McBride Leadership Seminar.” The seminar was founded and pri-marily funded in 1984 by then Mu State President, Jess-lyn McBride, who felt that leadership skills for women are essential in today’s world and need to be encour-aged and developed. Since 1984, over 750 Delta Kappa Gamma women in Florida, North Carolina and Sweden have graduated from the four day seminar and continue to serve both the Society and the education community. Mu Chapter of Eta State will hold a “Ceremony of Remembrance” for Jess in March.

NC Mourning the Loss of Two Prominent Leaders

A Word about Chapter Reportsfrom President Linda Little

A flurry of excitement has been taking place among certain committee chairmen and President Linda as they receive the various reports that are to be turned into international by March 1, 2012. What happens to these reports and how are they used? First of all, each chapter report is compiled and a summary is sent by the state chairman to international. International synthesizes these reports; uses them to evaluate their own offerings, and they compile them for each state to use as its data. Dr. Souders indicates that they are considering devel-oping a “successful state organization model” similar to the successful chapter model developed four years ago. President Linda and the committee chairmen will analyze, summarize, and evaluate the state data and use it for continuous improvement purposes. Thanks to each chapter president and area representative for taking the time to complete the respective report and getting them to the appropriate person.

National Board Certified Educators Dr. Jensi Souders is asking state presidents to submit by April 1, names of its members who have achieved this high level of success. The names will be published and those who are in attendance at the convention will be recognized at the Celebration Luncheon in New York. Please let me know of members in your chapter who have achieved the certification and I will submit them to Dr. Souders.

Go-to Guide: a handbook for chapter membersThe handbook will be available in March. Our Finance Committee has agreed to purchase a copy for each chapter in Eta State and they will be used as part of the new chapter leader training this summer.


Convention Happenings

Saturday Morning Wake Up Call

Eta State Convention Saturday morning attend-ees will wake up to a rousing, toe-tapping performance by Mrs. Houseman’s West Pine Middle School African DRUM Ensemble. Mrs. Houseman describes the program; “What started out as a seed of an idea five years ago, has blos-somed into a full fledge music curriculum at West Pine Middle School. Using techniques inspired by the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy of music education, Marci House-man has designed a program that seeks to give at-risk and minority students a musical voice of a different kind. When performing, the ensemble invites audiences to have a truly authentic African experience—in Africa, EVERYONE participates. The purpose of the ensemble is to foster communities to collaborate as they create music—Unity: We work together. Say ‘We’ not ‘I.’ ”

Saturday Convention Tours

Guided Oakwood Cemetery Tour - Free Min. 10 Max. 30 Transportation necessaryGuided Tour of the Orchid Trail - Free Min. 10 Max. 30 Transportation necessaryA Docent Tour of the North Carolina Art Museum - Free Min. 10 Max. 30 Transportation necessarySelf-Guided Tour of the Arboretum - Free Min. 10 Transportation necessaryGuided Tour of the NC Natural Science Museum - Free Min. 10 Max. 30 Transportation necessarySelf-Guided Tour of the North Carolina History Museum - Free Min. 10 Transportation necessaryAfternoon High Tea at the Umstead Hotel - $32.00 paid on site. No minimum Within walking distance Full details of each tour can be found on the Eta State website at www.deltakappagamma.org/NC/

Breakout Sessions Planned for Cary ConventionSheila Groves, Workshop Coordinator

A variety of breakout sessions will enrich your convention experience on Saturday, April 28. Meet International representative, Dr. Beverly Helms, and learn more about creating a chapter strategic plan. Join Tyronna Hooker, NC Teacher of the Year, and hear sug-gestions for supporting early-career teachers. Meet Judy Dunn and her friend Lucy to find out about Helping Paws. Investigate TIPS for Chapter Presidents, Creat-ing a Digital Chapter History, the ABCs of the EEC, or Kawasa – a school for Given.

You don’t want to miss the informative afternoon sessions!

Another special feature of the convention is the Info Fair. State committees will display materials, distrib-ute information and answer questions. Drop by each table to learn more about committee work and to talk with state committee members. A complete list of breakout sessions will be posted on the state web site prior to convention. Pro-fessional Development Credit for your attendance and participation in convention activities is available. Ask for a CEU packet at the registration desk. Make plans now to join your DKG sisters from across North Carolina for an afternoon of discovery that will impact personal and professional growth and keep Delta Kappa Gamma moving into the future.

Attention:

The attendees at this year’s convention are asked to support Backpack Buddies, a program of the Interfaith Food Shuttle. Backpacks filled with nutritious food are sent home with qualified children each weekend. The program currently serves Wake, Durham, Edgecombe, Chatham, Orange, Nash, and Johnston counties. Attend-ees may bring food items to the Embassy Suites Hotel on Saturday, April 28, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Visit www.foodshuttle.org/program/back-pack-buddies to learn more about the program.

Pre-Conference RegistrationRegistration is limited! Sign up now to

reserve your space.

www.deltakappagamm.org/NC/click meeting, conferences.....


Committee Happenings

Attention Chapter Presidents and Treasurers:

Spring initiations will begin very soon and your combined effort in getting the necessary information and transmitting the fees to the Eta State Treasurer will benefit everyone. When the new members are elected they go through an orientation process at which point they should be given the initiate card or form to fill out completely. That form should be returned with the $10 initiate fee at or before the time of initiation. Please send $5 and the initiate’s information to Eta State Treasurer as quickly as possible.

Please, DO NOT WAIT. They must be relayed to International by July 1st. If the fees are sent after July 1, they must include dues for the coming year, and the Eta State Treasurer cannot process them un-til September. This also means these members are not listed on the preprinted Form 18, they receive no publications and are not full members until after the first of the year which can mean a nine month lag between initiation and membership. Please help to expedite this process by having the information complete and reporting new members immediately. Thanks, Chris Waters - State Treasurer

Awards Committee: Our committee is “all fired up” about the state convention and all the wonderful activi-ties and new and different awards that are going to be presented. We have received numerous nominations for the Golden Key Award and we understand that the Chapter Achievement Forms are being submitted to Re-gional Directors. The Presidential Chapter Achievement and Golden Key Awards have been designed and ready for presentation. This convention is REALLY going to be a time to “Cherish the Past; Celebrate the Present, and Commit to the Future”. This theme and the awards will be interwoven to make for an exciting convention and we hope to see all 4,800+ Eta state sisters there.

Beginning Teacher Support: Committee members encourage local chapters to continue to provide programs and activities to support the beginning teachers in your area. If you are looking for ideas, check out our Committee section of the Eta State website for suggestions. Think about inviting some of your early career educators (0-4 years of experience) to attend the Eta State Convention as your guest. If you have special projects the committee would love to hear about them. Send ideas and projects to Barbara Perry-Sheldon, Committee Chairman, at [email protected].

Education Law & Policy Committee: The committee reviewed the results from the survey that was presented to all DKG members thru December. There were seven issues presented to members. The top five issues of concern will be presented to legislators in the General Assembly from DKG. The issues are listed below in order of concern by our membership:

1. Teacher Training/Staff Development - reinstate-ment of funds 2. Student Testing - Assess school/teacher performance on student academic growth 3. Community College Consolidation – Schools of less than 3,000 enrollment 4. Charter Schools - Lack of regulatory consistency 5. Health Care Benefits - State employees possibly paying something for benefits

If you have any personal concerns regarding these is-sues please feel free to email Lynn Ragsdale at [email protected]

To see the full survey results, visit www.deltakappagam-ma.org/NC/ on the Legislative Committee page.

Headquarters Committee:

REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND CHAPTERS:Regional Directors, please send the number of chaptersin your Region and the number of chapters who contrib-uted at least $2.00 per member to the Headquarters fund. Please send to: Rachel Scott - [email protected] or mail to 180 Canterbury Rd, Reidsville, NC 27320 by April 10th.

June Leadership Trainingfor

New Chapter Presidents, Educational Excellence Committee Chairmen & Membership Chairmen

Site A: June 12, 2012Black Mountain - Christmount Christian Assembly,

Site B: June 16, 2012 Asheboro - Bethel Friends Meeting

Site C: June 22, 2012 Goldsboro - St. Luke United Methodist Church

The cost is $15 and must be sent to Ellen Gragg, 2528 Washburn Road, Shelby, NC 28150.

Black Mountain by May 11, 2012. Asheboro or Goldsboro by May 31, 2012.

Presidents will receive the application at the convention and it will be sent electronically.


In Memoriam

~Treasured White Roses~ Barnes, Lynn Sloan July 4, 2011 Gamma PsiCobb, Ann P. February 8, 2012 Gamma Lambda Dockery, Carylon Billings January 24, 2011 Beta XiHarris, Sarah Alice December 22, 2011 Alpha PsiHendrix, Josephine Felts January 10, 2012 Beta EtaIsley, Hazel Truitt April 21, 2011 Alpha AlphaKennedy, Anne Hetrick June 5, 2011 Gamma IotaLongest, Frances Cochran June 24, 2011 Alpha AlphaMascali, Barbara Foeschle June 6, 2011 Beta DeltaMcBride, Jesslyn Louise December 21, 2011 MuMcDonald, Pauline June 18, 2011 RhoPatterson, Evelyn Burton September 3, 2011 Delta BetaPhillips, Sue S. November 13, 2011 Gamma SigmaPowell, Naomi R. August 21, 2011 Beta ThetaRobinson, Diane Semones December 5, 2011 Alpha PiStaton, Leona Williams February 9, 2011 Alpha KappaScott, Jessie Rae December 26, 2010 Alpha AlphaVan Horne, Madge Lane October 8, 2011 Pi

~Treasured Key Women Educators~

Theta (Region IV, New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender) Beth Metcalf recently earned her Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from UNC Wilmington. Chi (Region VII, Guilford and Davidson) Regional Director Ellen Midkiff welcomes Sylvia Eaglin, Chi Chapter Rules Chairman, and Betsy Hodge, Chi Chapter President, to Greensboro for a January 7 workshop with the eleven chapters of Region VII. The leaders up-dated their Standing Rules to align them with those of Eta State and International DKG.

Chi Chapter

Alpha Lambda (Region XI, Henderson) Alpha Lambda Chapter of Eta State is proud to sponsor a scholarship for a student at our local Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. This year’s recipient is Lisa Crite from Pisgah Forest, NC. Lisa is in her last year at BRCC, finishing her studies in Elementary Education before transferring to a four-year college next year. She has expressed her appreciation to Alpha Lambda for assisting her in her

pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education.

Lisa Crite Alpha Xi (Region VIII, Alexander and Iredell) Jennifer Hefner, Chapter President, was awarded her doctorate from Appala-chian State in December. On March 1 she assumes the Interim Superin-tendent duties for Alexander County. Alpha Upsilon (Region VII, Randolph) Congratulations to Betsy Hammond, the new science coach for Asheboro City Schools. Alpha Psi (Region II, Craven and Pamlico) Patricia Woodard, published author of Twice Columbia, was one of ten NC authors honored at the annual Authors’ Luncheon of the American Association of University Women on January 28, 2012 in New Bern, NC. Delta Rho (Region VI, Lee) Dr. Stefanie Williams was recently appointed President at Vance-Gran-ville Community College. Delta Sigma (Region X, Lincoln) Jennifer Carroll suc-cessfully renewed National Board Certification. Jennifer Dellinger became National Board Certified. Dr. Denise Patterson was promoted from Assistant Superintendent to Associate Superintendent in Union County. Rhonda Harrill was named Lincoln County’s Principal of the Year.

Correction for ESN Winter, 2012: Delta Alpha Chapter, Region XI, should be Haywood County not Mc-Dowell County as listed. Apologies for any confusion this error caused readers.


Sowing Seeds of Sisterhood in TurkmenistanBy Amy Vaughn

On January 7, 2012, Irina Ushakova, of Mary City, Turkmenistan, became the first member of Delta Kappa Gamma in her country through her initiation into honorary membership of Alpha Nu Chapter in a cer-emony conducted through a Russian Skype program. Alpha Nu learned of Irina six years ago through member Amy Vaughn, when both she and Irina partici-pated in the United States–Eurasia Excellence in Teach-ing Awards (TEA program) sponsored by the US State Department. Captivated by the idea of helping Irina make an even greater impact in Mary City, Turkmenistan, Alpha Nu members provided her with financial support, al-lowing her to make significant repairs to her classroom; purchase much needed equipment; assist students who could not afford supplies, or, in some cases, food or clothing; and provide after-school enrichment experi-ences. She conducts workshops for teachers in Mary City and from surrounding villages. Through these actions and more, Irina has demonstrated that she truly embodies the spirit of Delta Kappa Gamma; thus, Alpha Nu found her more than worthy of honorary membership.

Alpha Nu members hope that Irina will be inspired by their respect for her and her work that other teachers will want to be full members of Delta Kappa Gamma with a chapter of their own!

Irina with her class in Turkmenistan

?? Did You Know??

Eta State was recognized in the Mar/Apr 2012 As the SAP Rises: Tips for Strategic Action Planning, an e-publication. distributed by Beverly Helms. “North Carolina (SE) implemented its first SAP in the ‘90s and has continued to refine its planning pro-cess. All state organization committees take ownership by developing challenging, yet attainable, actions for the nine identified goals. This process encourages collabora-tion, communication, and coordination needed to effect change for the future.” According to Dr. Gwen Simmons, “Katherine Collins was chair of the committee who developed what might have been the first Action Plan for NC.” As state president, Dr. Simmons asked for and received approval for an ad hoc Planning Committee to implement the “Eta State Plan of Action” and international’s “Strategic Plan for Renewal.” “My every decision during my term as state president was guided by these two documents and the recommendations of the ad hoc Planning Com-mittee. The primary function of the Planning Commit-tee at the time of its inception was to ensure that ap-proved actions of Eta State were implemented,” stated Dr. Simmons. Eta State members salute all of the Planning Committees who have continued to refine the work of that first ad hoc committee and make Eta State’s SAP a model for other states to follow!

story contunued from page 1

Gamma Kappa (RegionVI, Cumberland, Ft. Bragg, Hoke) provided new teacher gift baskets at the beginning of the year and then hosted a breakfast for the group of 1st year teachers.

Alpha Kappa (Region I, Halifax and North Hampton) collected items to fill goodie bags for the teachers at Dawson Elementary School. All but one of the teachers are first year educators. Rhonda Allen, Alpha Kappa member and Intructional Coach at the school, suggested the project. (See photo on page 1)

Alpha Theta (Region IX, Surry) provided all beginning teachers in Surry County Schools with a pencil box full of teachers’ supplies.Beta Nu (Region IX, Forsyth) collected donations of supplies for beginning teachers in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Beta Tau (Region VIII, Mecklenberg) Angie Kilgo and Judy Gruebmeyer assist spring initiate and beginning teacher Sarah McCollum assemble take home books.

Delta Tau (Region X, Cleveland) members hosted a reception for all beginning teachers in Cleveland County featur-ing a Christmas theme with gifts.

Next Eta State News Deadline: May 15


The Delta Kappa Gamma Society InternationalNorth Carolina State Organization Chris Waters, Treasurer 2503 Brookridge Circle Greenville, NC [email protected] ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Eta State NewsA publication of Eta State – North CarolinaThe Delta Kappa Gamma Society InternationalPublished quarterly. Annual membership duesinclude a subscription to this newsletter.Deadlines: May 15, Aug 15, Nov 15

Sue Roberts, [email protected] The MissionThe Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

http://www.dkg.org

Change your address at www.dkg.org

Eta State News is available on the Eta State Website:

http://www.deltakappagamma.org/NC/

Mark Your Calendars

Lucile Cornetet Award forProfessional Development May 1, 2012

ESN Deadline for Summer May 15, 2012

Eta State Convention April 27-29, 2012 Cary, NC

Pre-Register for NYC Tours July 6, 2012

Seminar in Purposeful Living July 19-22, 2012 Washington, DC

International Convention July 24-28, 2012 NYC, NY

See

www.dkg.org or

www.deltakappagamma.org/NC/

for full details on all events

See each of you in Cary and NYC!

What’s Happening??


ANTICIPATION PHASE

The anticipation phase begins during the student teach-ing portion of preservice preparation. The closer student teachers get to completing their assignment, the more ex-cited and anxious they become about their first teaching position. They tend to romanticize the role of the teacher and the position.

SURVIVAL PHASE

The first month of school is very overwhelming for new teachers. They are learning a lot and at a very rapid pace. Beginning teachers are instantly bombarded with a vari-ety of problems and situations they had not anticipated. Despite teacher preparation programs, new teachers are caught off guard by the realities of teaching.

DISILLUSIONMENT PHASE

After six to eight weeks of nonstop work and stress, new teachers enter the disillusionment phase. The intensity and length of the phase varies among new teachers. The extensive time commitment, the realization that things are probably not going as smoothly as they want, and low morale contribute to this period of disenchantment. Many new teachers get sick during this phase.

Compounding an already difficult situation is the fact that new teachers are confronted with several new events during this time frame. They are faced with back-to-school night, parent conferences, and their first formal evaluation by the site administrator. Each of these impor-tant milestones places an already vulnerable individual in a very stressful situation.

Phases of First-Year-Teachinghttp://newteachercenter.org/blog/phases-first-year-teaching

adapted from the teachings of Ellen Moir

REJUVENATION The rejuvenation phase is characterized by a slow rise in the new teacher’s attitude to-ward teaching. It generally begins in January. Having a winter break makes a tremendous difference for new teachers. It allows them to resume a more normal lifestyle, with plenty of rest, food, exercise, and time for family and friends. This vacation is the first opportunity that new teachers have for organizing materi-als and planning curriculum. It is a time for them to sort through materials that have ac-cumulated and prepare new ones. This breath of fresh air gives novice teachers a broader perspective with renewed hope.

REFLECTION The reflection phase beginning in May is a particularly invigorating time for first-year teachers. Reflecting back over the year, they highlight events that were successful and those that were not. They think about the various changes that they plan to make the following year in management, curriculum, and teaching strategies. The end is in sight, and they have almost made it; but more importantly, a vision emerges as to what their second year will look like, which brings them to a new phase of anticipation

This article was originally written for publica-tion in the newsletter for the California New Teacher Project, published by the California Department of Education (CDE), 1990.

Used with the permission of the New Teacher Center in Santa Cruz, California

Eta State Chapters are encouraged to use this information in formulating projects for Early Career Educators

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