March 2020 | Third Quarterly Release

Dear Alder Resident,

We understand the COVID-19 situation has brought up a lot of uncertainty to our communities, please know we are here for you! To that end, It is also an exciting time of the year at Alder GSE; we have much to celebrate as many of you are completing testing requirements and receiving job offers. As you prepare for these next few weeks, we hope you find time to rejuvenate, while also giving you a chance to catch up and breathe, as you embark on the last phase of the residency program. We recognize you are in the midst of edTPA and coursework requirements, so please know the Office of Student Services is here to support you if additional assistance would be helpful. We also understand that the COVID-19 situation has brought up a lot of uncertainty to our communities, please know we are here for you! The following highlights, reminders, and updates aim to provide access to information related to Alder GSE.

Please reach out to studentservices@aldergse.edu with any questions.

Student Services Highlights

COVID-19 Response -- Please refer to Nate’s email regarding the recent COVID-19 outbreak and see Alder’s FAQ guidelines given this situation. If you need assistance in finding resources regarding testing or treatment, please refer to your health care provider. For any additional information, please see the CDC website for live updates. As always, if you are impacted by the situation, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Services for support.

Sustainability and Persistence for Long-Term Teaching Webinar -- Marilou Razo, KIPP SoCal, Dr. Shayna Sullivan, and Ivan Ibarra are planning on hosting a webinar to provide a space where residents can learn from Alder alumni and staff on how they have made teaching work for the long-run! If you are interested in attending the webinar, please complete this quick survey to learn about your time and date preferences.

Tax season -- Refer to the 2019-2020 Tax Resources for Alder GSE Residents for the information you need to ensure you are aware of the various supports available to you. If you have additional questions regarding your taxes, please reach out to studentservices@aldergse.edu.

Alder GSE Store -- Check out the Alder Swag Store- Here!

Residency Referrals -- Know of someone interested in the Teacher Residency program? Please refer them for a chance to win a $250 gift card. Applications are due Monday, April 6th! Submit this form to be considered. The referral form is specifically for residents, and you will have multiple opportunities to win! We deeply appreciate those who have submitted referrals for round 1!

"Making the Residency Work" Regional Resource Guides

The Student Services Team has developed regional Making It Work resources that are supportive, aid in financial and mental health wellbeing, are available in your local community, and focus on ensuring capacity to make the residency work. Access the resources by region below:

If you haven’t already, please complete the voucher form to request the testing support that Alder offers to offset the edTPA or other test costs. For more information, please contact Jessica Tevis to learn about accessing the voucher at jtevis@aldergse.edu.

As you navigate through this uncertain situation, please consider using the EAP resources offered to all our residents. The supports offered include counseling services, work/life referrals, and financial/legal advice. In addition, at any moment, you are able to contact Pacific’s Counseling Center for an appointment via phone, free of cost to you.

Wellness Corner: Promoting wellness through healthy lifestyles and support services.

Going Home Check List, by Janet Baird

Provides an example of how an organization encourages its team members to use a chart that encourages reflection and mindfulness. As you think about your own mental checklist (avoid the to-do list for this exercise), we encourage you to think about the following:

What was one moment that made you smile today?
Recognize one thing that was difficult and let it go.
Be proud of the work that you are doing for your students.
Are you doing okay? Your mentor, partner director, and Alder GSE are here to listen and support you.
Turn your attention to home and be sure to rest and recharge.

Can Creativity Help During Stressful Times?, by Janet Baird

Provides a few suggestions to use creativity as a way to reduce stress. Explore the benefits of creativity and increase your perception of creativity with additional resources embedded in the article.

CA Peer Run Warm Line

Need non-emergency referrals for community resources around wellness and mental health? If you want to talk through concerns or worries, please call the CA Warm Line at 1-855-845-7415 for assistance!

Thrive and Succeed -

Words From Those that Came Before You

"Wow. During this time of year, I remember being in the midst of EdTPA, completing a research project for one of the courses, and STILL needing to pass the RICA! I was dealing with so much procrastination when it came to EdTPA and coursework. I taught A LOT in the classroom and my students always came before any coursework/studying however, I learned that if I really wanted to be their teacher I needed to prioritize the workload in front of me. This meant speaking up for what I needed. Luckily I had a very dedicated and encouraging Director that provided the warm demander I needed to get things done. By advocating for what I needed, my director was able to help me create a plan, create a space and time in which to complete the work. She regularly did check-ins about the progress of how much work I completed. My cohort was also very encouraging and checked in on me or provided resources that were helpful to them that might be helpful to me. I really leaned on them when I became overwhelmed and because we were all in the same boat we were able to understand each other and encourage one another. Like Dory says: just keep on swimming. It seems like it will never get done, but trust yourself, ask for what you need, and get it done." - Frania Ramos-Arce, Aspire Public Schools, 2018-2019 Cohort

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