New Teacher Mentors Receive Training

When school starts in a few days, TCS will welcome thirty-five new teachers to our district.  Of the thirty-five, only four are brand new to teaching.  Three are former TCS teachers who are returning to us this year.  Several of our new hires have many years of experience.  But you can bet that these teachers will appreciate the support they can expect from administrators, new teacher coordinators, and their mentors.

TCS has created a New Teacher Orientation Plan, based on our continuous improvement goal to "Recruit, hire, mentor, and continuously support the learning of the most effective personnel."  The goals of the plan are:

Objectives for New Teacher Orientation and Support

• To retain effective teachers, to provide a positive work environment, and to achieve success in teaching
• To clarify the district’s beliefs, purpose, vision, and expectations
• To provide intensive coaching, feedback, modeling, and supervision
• To provide opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and reflecting
• To nurture a learning community that will produce teacher and student learning
• To differentiate the type and amount of support to new teachers based on their needs

New Teacher Coordinators for 16-17:

• Cahaba Elementary - Rachel Osborn
• Magnolia Elementary- Lauren Long and Tracy Bingham
• Paine Elementary - Tygar Evans
• HTMS - Leigh Stovall
• HTMS - Dawn Kilgore and Erin Piper

Mentors will provide ongoing support for new teachers that includes participation in walkthroughs, peer observations, and regular feedback.  New teacher coordinators will plan monthly meetings to provide focused professional learning for the new teachers.

Yesterday, mentors met to receive training at the central office.  The commitment of our mentors and the support of new teachers will affect each new teacher and her students for years to come.  These mentors are committing to make a positive difference in the future.

Each school will design and implement New Teacher Orientation at their buildings August 11.  District orientation for new teachers is August 16 at the central office.