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As a teacher, why should you have a
TSA chapter?
Tom Strahin, from Preston County, talks
about his first experiences with TSA!
A fellow teacher had been pushing me to become a TSA advisor. I tried to
ignore the constant urging, but he wouldn’t stop! For two years he had
asked me to attend the Fall Conference. "Bring a couple students with
you," he said. This year, the plan was to take him up on the offer, drag a
few students along, and depart the conference with a sigh of "I’m sure
glad that’s over"! Boy, was I in for an awakening!
After a session titled “What is TSA?” I was bombarded with questions. From
these students? No--they’re just appeasing me. But later in the day, I was
really flattened. I slipped in the back door where students were involved
in some activities. Where were my guys? They were with their new friends
working. I got the "thumbs up" sign from one of them--they were
competing--and loving every minute of it!
 The
last day, I divided our little clan up to attend different sessions,
giving them each a small notebook to take notes for our vocational
director. Not only did they gather materials and take good notes, but they
had to tell me about all of them! Quiet them down??? Boy, this was a
switch!
I really didn’t want to be a TSA advisor. What began as a stunt to stifle
my friend from badgering me about TSA backfired. And I’m sure glad it did!
I’m surprised that as a veteran educator, I could have been such a
lethargic judge of opportunity.
Since returning from the conference, my students have organized a chapter.
They come to class more enthusiastic and eager to learn than ever before.
They want their parents involved. A recent PTA conference was scheduled
from 4-7 p.m. Due to such a large turnout, the meeting lasted until 8:30!
What do I get out of being a TSA advisor? More motivated students and
enthusiastic parents sounds like a winning combination to me. |
