by California Casualty | Behind the Scenes, Calcas Connection |
Working hard to provide you great service is a core value at California Casualty.
One of the ways we ensure that we live up to your expectations is by following the California Casualty Code. Written in 1965, it formalized the beliefs of high ethical standards and quality of service to customers; ideas that were passed down from our founder, Carl G. Brown.
Reinforcing this tradition of ethics and accountability is California Casualty’s PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence) in the Code program. It recognizes employees who exemplify the key values contained in the California Casualty Code: Acting with Integrity, Fulfilling Our Promises, Providing Exceptional Service, Pursuing Excellence through Learning and Working as a Team. The award highlights the actions of employees who have gone above and beyond everyday expectations to benefit customers and fellow employees.
At California Casualty, every job is important and individual employee contributions make a difference to our success. The PRIDE in the Code program acknowledges and celebrates those who inspire us to greater levels of individual and collective achievement that, ultimately, result in a better experience for you.
Colleagues nominate others they see making a difference for customers and coworkers. Every three months, quarterly winners of the PRIDE in the Code are announced. This year’s recipients included Monique in our Underwriting department, who was nominated for Providing Exceptional Service when she made custom, personalized coasters for everyone in the unit; Jenny, from our Actuarial department, who was also cited for Providing Exceptional Service after mastering new coding techniques to create a more efficient rating program for the various states we insure in; Christopher, also an Actuarial department staff member, who was nominated for Providing Exceptional Service for optimizing efficiency for his team through his dedicated work to seamlessly transfer to a new and improved quoting platform (this took learning a new programing language and consolidating numerous Excel files into a single table) while he was on family leave helping take care of his newborn; and Karen and Susan from Learning and Development, who took time from their demanding workload to man the lobby area when a guard didn’t show up, ensuring the safety of employees and guests. Karen and Susan were nominated for Working as a Team.
Each year, one of the quarterly winners receives the annual Thomas R. Brown PRIDE in the Code Award, the second-highest honor in the company. It acknowledges a staff member whose actions have benefitted customers, the company, and colleagues.
In 2016, Dena, from our IT department, was chosen for the Thomas R. Brown PRIDE in the Code Award. She was nominated for stepping up to take on a project for our Claims department that impacted 4,000 policies. Without a fix, The Claims team would have had to manually update the policies – a task that would have taken months to complete. Dena tackled and completed the solution in just a couple of weeks.
Dena receiving her award from Executive VP Mike Bower
Dena’s nominator said that her actions were a clear example of the special teamwork that many share at California Casualty, promoting the feeling that we are all working for something greater than ourselves, and that our role is important in that bigger picture.
Dena said the great culture at California Casualty, and so many people working to live up to the California Casualty Code, has made her 39 years with the company so enjoyable.
The 2017 Thomas R. Brown PRIDE in the Code Award recipient will be named soon at our company’s Town Hall Meetings. We will share their story in an upcoming issue of the Connection.
TAKEAWAY:
Learn more about the California Casualty Code and how it guides us to serve you better at https://www.calcas.com/our-code.
Read all the articles from this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
by California Casualty | Educators |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
The number of students who possess their own device is growing. So true is the number of students who bring said devices into the classroom. Whether you incorporate the use of student devices into your lessons or not, we found 3 creative ways you can manage student cell phones in your classroom.
- Using a Stoplight Management Approach (Edutopia.org)
The stoplight management approach allows teachers some flexibility to use cell phones when the situation warrants, but also to keep cell phones from becoming a diversion from the learning. This is how it works:Post a red button on the classroom door: Students know when they enter that cell phones should be put in their off location. The devices will not be used that day. The teacher should decide on the off location—the upper right-hand corner of the desk and turned face down, or away in backpacks, or in pocket holders on the teacher’s desk—the cell phone parking lot.Post a yellow button on the classroom door: Students know their cell phones should be on silent (vibrate) and placed face down in the upper right-hand corner of their desk. They will be using them in class, but not the whole time. Having the phones in plain sight—a bit out of reach and turned over—allows the teacher to easily scan the room to see who doesn’t have their device where it should be. It also makes it difficult for students to quickly peek at their text messages because they’d have to turn the phone over and move it from its correct position—which is more difficult than when cell phones are hidden under desks.
Post a green button on the classroom door: Students know they should have their phones turned on (either silenced or set on vibrate) and placed face up in ready position to use.
- Create A Cell Phone Jail (TeachThought.com)
Have you ever tried to have students leave their cell phones in their lockers and a mysterious glow comes from under their desk? I got tired of the cell phone shuffle and created a cell phone jail. My students had to check in their phones when class started. This accountability and equity eventually leads to focused minds in the classroom.
- Cell Phone Parking Lot (TheTeacherToolKit.com)
Make an area in your classroom where students can store and/or charge their cell phone. An idea would be to use a hanging shoe storage bag with individual pockets for each cell phone. Put a large number or picture on each pocket so that students can easily identify where they have stored their phones Option: Provide one or two power strips where students can plug in their phone in the “parking lot” for charging.
Teach students your class cell phone procedure.
Sample cell phone procedure:
- When entering the classroom you may keep your phone out of sight in your purse or pocket. Or, you may store or charge your phone in the cell phone parking lot.
- If you choose to use the cell phone parking lot for storage, place your phone in one of the numbered pockets. Remember the number where your phone is “parked” or write it down in your notebook.
- If you choose to use the cell phone parking lot for charging, use your own charging cord. Plug your phone in to one of the power strips and then place your phone (still connected) into one of the lower pockets in the cell phone parking lot.
- The cell phone parking lot is only accessible before and after class. If you plan to store or charge your phone, you may not go and get it during class time.
- If your phone is not in the cell phone parking lot and is causing a distraction from work in class, you will be directed to “park” your phone and you may pick it up after class.
- Students who do not comply or have repeated requests to park their phones will have their phones “towed.” A “towed” phone will be stored in the teacher’s desk and will not be returned until parents have been contacted.
Monitor student phone use during class. When students are improperly using their cell phones, direct them to park their phones in the cell phone parking lot. Encourage proper use of cell phones by regularly thanking students for remembering to use the cell phone parking lot.
In addition to having a classroom strategy for managing student devices, don’t forget to check out your school or district policy regarding cell phones and other devices that are not the property of the school or district. If your classroom system conflicts with the building policy, you may need to meet with your administrator.
How do you manage student devices in your classroom?
by California Casualty | Educators |
Communication between teachers and administration is vital. Being able to communicate respectfully AND get things accomplished (on both sides of the aisle) can be a tricky task. Keep communication with your administrator professional and effective using these six tips:
Prioritize
Try to avoid contacting your administrator for every little problem. They are not your personal problem-solver. Prioritize your issues. My rule-of-thumb when deciding if I should contact my administrator: if something affects my ability to teach my students or to provide a safe environment for my students and myself. You are more likely to be taken seriously if you only go to your administrator when you are truly in need.
Be Specific, Polite, and Succinct
If you must address a concern with an administrator, keep a few things in mind so you don’t waste anyone’s time: address a single problem specifically, use respectful language, and get to your point quickly. When writing to someone about a problem, I use a paragraph model I learned from my local NEA union representative: 1) what the current situation looks like, 2) why it’s a problem, 3) what the situation SHOULD look like. Don’t try to propose a solution. Instead, offer to meet in person to help solve the problem. Always keep documentation of your communications.
Stay Focused On The Goal
Getting caught up in petty, nasty, behind-your-back talk can be devastating to your reputation. Complaining will only hurt you, and your chances of getting your problem solved. Keep your end goal in mind at all times and do what you can to help achieve it.
Don’t Forget To Listen
When your administrator responds to you, make sure you listen. Take notes if you must. If the response is in writing, read it, and reread it to make sure you understand what is being communicated. If you have questions, ask! You don’t want to miss any vital information.
Keep In Mind Why You Are There
If you don’t get the results you were hoping for, remind yourself why you’re a teacher in the first place. We teach because we love the students. Love the students, and continue to press on.
Join Your Local Education Association
Your local NEA chapter can help you in many ways, and communicating an issue with administration is one of their many specialties. Take advantage of the assistance and advice your local representative can provide by joining your National Education Association. My local has helped me become more knowledgeable and confident.
by California Casualty | Educators, Pets |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Thinking about getting a pet for your classroom? You might be surprised how beneficial having a classroom pet can be! But before you run out to buy the perfect classroom pet, there a few things to think about.
Why Should I Have A Classroom Pet?
There are many benefits to having a classroom pet! According to Pets in the Classroom, pets provide learning opportunities, enrich the classroom experience, improve attendance, teach responsibility, aid in immune system performance, boost student morale, encourage nurturing behavior, build self-esteem, and strengthen social skills. Learn more at petsintheclassroom.org.
Do Your Research
Find out what kind of care the animal requires, what type of enclosure is preferred, feeding requirements, and other needs. Have the animal examined at your local veterinarian office (many vets will conduct an exam on classroom pets free of charge, just call to ask!). Also, research any diseases the animal may transfer to humans.
Keep Parents Informed
Be sure the parents of students in your classroom are aware you have a classroom pet. Some students may have pet allergies and must be seated away from the pet enclosure. It may also be wise to send home literature detailing the benefits of having a pet in the classroom.
Have A Plan For When School Isn’t In Session
Make plans for weekends, holiday breaks, and summer break. Where will the pet go? Who will care for it? Will students take turns taking it home on weekends? What items will need to be sent home with students? You might consider using an online sign-up system like SignUp.com to make these arrangements. It is also a good idea to send home care instructions with students who are taking the animal home.
Here are some of the best classroom pets, according to PetMD.com:
- Bearded Dragon – gentle, can be held occasionally
- Guinea Pigs – minimal care, easily handled, social
- Rabbits – affectionate, social, some can be skittish and become defensive
- Rats – affectionate, intelligent, minimal care
- Fish – visually intriguing, stress and anxiety reliever
Top 10 Classroom Pets from The Biology Corner
You Can Apply For A Grant That Will Help Fund Your Classroom Pet
Petsintheclassroom.org is an educational grant program that provides financial support to teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. The program was established by the Pet Care Trust to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets—an experience that can help to shape their lives for years to come. (Pre-K through 9th grade)
**Please remember, just like a family pet, an animal is a lifelong commitment. Consider adopting rather than purchasing an animal from a pet store. As the primary classroom educator, you are considered the animal’s guardian and caregiver and are responsible for the well-being of the animal, even when you are not in the animal’s presence.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Related Articles:
Pet Passenger Safety Tips
Disaster Preparation for Pets
Questions to Ask Before Boarding Your Pet
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Great educators can have a lifelong impact on their students. As they challenge and encourage the learning process, they also guide them on the path to future success.
They don’t do it alone. Creating a learning environment for all students requires the combined efforts of schools, administrators, teachers and professional support staff.
Those who succeed have a passion for pushing students to reach new heights. They don’t do it for glory or adulation; they do it because they can make a difference in a child’s life. Working in education is more than just a job; it’s a calling.
That devotion is exhibited by Palm Springs Painted Hills Middle School music-band and choir instructor Brian McDaniel, California’s 2018 National Teacher of the Year nominee. He believes that, “An outstanding teacher is a force of nature, an earthquake looking for every opportunity to burst through the surface and change the world. The power of an outstanding teacher can generate countless aftershocks long after they’ve passed on.”
McDaniel’s colleagues and students say he motivates and inspires everyone he meets. He overcame being homeless and in foster care early in life through music. His belief in the power of music to heal has been embraced by students, and their performances routinely win awards.
California Casualty values the contributions of educators like Mr. McDaniel.
As the Presenting Sponsor of the California School Recognition Program, California Casualty is proud to make possible the events that honor the 2018 California Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the year, and the public schools named as Distinguished Schools. From the many years that we have been visiting classrooms and listening to educators, we’ve learned that every person or school that is recognized represents dozens more that are doing great things for students, staff and their communities.
With a relationship that spans 66 years, CTA and California Casualty are mutually committed supporting educators in their goal of improving the learning environment. We understand that great teachers don’t accomplish great things by themselves. That’s why California Casualty and CTA are sponsors of the California School Recognition Program.
California Casualty CEO Beau Brown said it best when he remarked, “Our partnerships with CTA and the California Department of Education is a testament of how schools, businesses and communities can come together to promote the remarkable successes of those developing the minds of our future generations.”
California Casualty supports educators in other meaningful ways with programs that have real impact on their lives. These include $7,500 School Lounge Makeovers; California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grants; Impact Teen Drivers “Create Real Impact” contest that works to end distracted driving crashes – the number one killer of teens today; and $250 Help Your Classroom grants.
We thank everyone involved with education that makes a difference every day.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction with California Casualty AVP Lisa Almeida, Field Marketing Manager Amanda Keidel and CEO Beau Brown at 2017 Teachers of the Year Ceremony
