#wischat Archive
#wischat is a great way for Wisconsin educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Sunday September 11, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Welcome back for the latest edition of . Tonight's topic = Welcoming New Teachers Into Your School and/or District. TY 4 joining us!
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We will be following a Q1, Q2 ... A1, A2 format tonight. Remember to include in all of your tweets.
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Please begin by introducing yourself and let us know how your favorite football team(s) did this weekend..
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John Gunnell, middle school Principal from Baraboo, WIsconsin. My fantasy football teams are really struggling right now.
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Chris from Middleton, WI. My teams went 3-0
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Katie, MS Principal. Love college football and Bucky, of course!
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Hello . Brant from Wyoming, MS Principal on NFL overload :)
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Hi Rita, school librarian, St. Croix Falls (near Minneapolis, but I'm a cheeser through & through!)
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- Welcome back for tonight. So glad that you are here with us!
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- Welcome back for tonight. So glad that you are here with us!
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- Welcome to tonight. So glad that you are joining us.
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Thanks for hosting, John!
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Mark from Elmbrook in WI, Superintendent
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- Welcome Rita. Thanks for joining us on tonight.
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Marshall from Janesville. Excited to have back. Go Pack!
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Liz Olson. PK-12 WI principal. Looking forward to tonight's chat.
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- Welcome Mark. Thank you for being a part of this evening.
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Q1: Does your school district have a formal mentoring program for new teachers? If so, please describe how it works.
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- Thanks for jumping in for tonight.
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A1: great question. We have one but is it effective? https://t.co/zHhad6aF4J
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Q1: Does your school district have a formal mentoring program for new teachers? If so, please describe how it works.
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- Appreciate you joining us on
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is just starting something new, which I a sure will be gr8. We have a VERY stable staff & newbies are welcomed openly
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A1: In Baraboo we have a formal mentoring program for new teachers. It has been in existence for about ten years.
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A1 Absolutely. Mentors/buddies are assigned & PD is given before school starts and throughout the year.
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A1 - We use the New Teacher Center's mentoring model for two years. Goal is to retain teachers by supporting them and their growth
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A1: Our district has one. They offer a mix of district & building level training, then mentoring for 3 yrs. New Ts like it.
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A1: It is run primarily by our Instructional Facilitators and Coaches. Each building has at least one trained mentor as well.
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A1. Our mentor program grew teacher leadership roles through the years so that we can provide layers of support.
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- Hi Todd, thanks for joining us on
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A1 As a veteran teacher in a new district, I am grateful for a program to help me understand expectations and procedures.
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A1: Mentoring includes instructional support to operational needs. Measure results through retention and engagement results
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- Teacher retention is an important area of emphasis these days for all districts.
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- Thanks for joining us on tonight.
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Does anyone have their program in writing? We meet and have an adult buddy that checks on them! what else are we missing
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Q2 Are there any traditions in your school/district that assist new teachers with getting connected with their teaching colleagues?
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I just followed everyone on -- growing my PLN
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Al from K-8 in Washburn. Packer fan- enough said
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A2: We have a thriving Tech Academy prior to the start of the school year.
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- Thank you for joining in tonight on
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processing, reciprocal observation based on mentees goals, and quarterly social meetings for new Ts in district
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Al from Washburn. K-8 principal. Go Packers. We have a formal mentor program developed jointly by teachers and administration
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A2: At the building level we have several traditions like our annual boat trip and a Back To School party that my wife and I host.
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A2: instructional coaches are matched with and to assist all new staff as they transition to Elmbrook. Three days help
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A2 Small town & school. Most of us know each other's families. We take new folks in like one of our own.
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A2: Still growing that part. Observation based on mentee's goals interests is encouraged and supported
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A1. Building specific events, seminars, picnics, PLCs, PD opportunities, socials
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A2: Our local Kiwanis Club also sponsors a Welcome Picnic for all of our teachers, but specifically to welcome our new teachers.
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Met my husband at this picnic 30 years ago. https://t.co/R684P9cPsS
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A2: Our local Kiwanis Club also sponsors a Welcome Picnic for all of our teachers, but specifically to welcome our new teachers.
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A2- we have two New teacher orientation days. Work with new tch and mentors. Lots of down time for classroom work, bonding, lunch
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A2: Informally, we have a large school-community FB presence, lots of joking, and getting to know each other
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A2: We also have several pre-service days that are specific to new teachers in our school district.
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I think I need to go to one of these picnics. Still single here :)
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- In 23 years, I have only missed the Kiwanis picnic twice.
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A2: No traditions, per say. Coaching, peer observations, PLCs assist in orienting new staff to our systems, processes, etc.
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We do as well. Also, folks usually call or email new teachers well before that.
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A2: We are fortunate to be set up to do this fairly well. Mentoring program combined with PLC groups provide lots of opportunities
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Ha! Now THIS is the best tweet ever! is killing it!!!
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Q3: How can building and/or district administrators help to support new teachers at the start of a new school year?
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A3: Ask their colleagues to reach out to them soon after they are hired. Check on them often. Pair them with kind mentors.
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A2: I like how many of you have social experiences. Often just what a new teacher needs.
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A3. Cheer them on! The start of the new year is always exhausting and intimidating. Acknowledgement of this time is critical.
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A2: Mentor program facilitated by our Instructional Coaches that has several sessions led by existing staff.
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AMEN! It is about building trusting, friendly, supportive relationships.
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A3: I think that it is important for administrators to personally reach out to new staff to make them feel valued and welcomed.
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A3: Help them with a solid classroom management plan that they believe in. & provide them with outlets to not get involved in drama
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We always share stories of our own cohort we started with and it gives them a sense of how we are a family https://t.co/uD6HiNeFHS
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A2: I like how many of you have social experiences. Often just what a new teacher needs.
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A3: Treat new T like a human being, give time for observation and processing of mentee and colleagues, encourage growth not fear
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A3: It is also important to check in frequently at the start of the school year to help get them off to a solid start.
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Agree. Also, to make it a habit to check in frequently.
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A3: Must admit, as new Admin this is an area I need ideas. My focus is on building relationships. https://t.co/hlCsLr7Ciq
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Q3: How can building and/or district administrators help to support new teachers at the start of a new school year?
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A3: Just be genuine and caring. Let them know that your door is always open. Be approachable.
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A3: Visibility & intentional conversations/connections early & often to ensure transition is going well. https://t.co/7zSaAOGOjC
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Q3: How can building and/or district administrators help to support new teachers at the start of a new school year?
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So important! never miss an opportunity! https://t.co/5NtPQJ2Pol
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A3. Cheer them on! The start of the new year is always exhausting and intimidating. Acknowledgement of this time is critical.
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Everywhere, I think. Lately young teachers have been asking me for "motherly" advice? WTH?!?!
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A3: Early in the year, I make sure that I write all of our new staff members (including assistants) a personal handwritten note.
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Fundamentals...the old coach in me really likes this! https://t.co/Ia06RveTe7
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A3: Help them with a solid classroom management plan that they believe in. & provide them with outlets to not get involved in drama
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this is a great place to start. Both for support and to build trust!
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genuine and caring are important in any relationship. Critical personality trait or skill https://t.co/k2ELx1hR04
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A3: Just be genuine and caring. Let them know that your door is always open. Be approachable.
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- thanks for being a part of tonight.
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Where are you? I know some nice folks...
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Late arrival, but jumping back in as I am able!
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A3: I hold myself accountable by tracking my visits to/conversations with new staff. Have to make it a priority to connect.
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A3: We give all of our new teachers a T-Bird t-shirt and a professional book that we read together.
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Q4: What are the greatest challenges that are faced by teachers that are new to a school district?
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This year we took a bus ride around the district and we shared about our schools and town. It was awesome! Some mentors came too.
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That is so wonderful! Bless your heart! I try to give folks little gifts through the year. The little things matter.
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A3: I meet privately with each teacher, I visit their classroom, support them & encourage them daily https://t.co/Zwr7Cu5T56
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Q3: How can building and/or district administrators help to support new teachers at the start of a new school year?
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A4. Some have explained it's like moving into a new house with a new family. It takes awhile to figure out dynamics.
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A-3: reach out to the new teachers and mentors to make sure frequent checks are taking place!
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A4: learning their style, understanding the "why" is often more important than the "what" in each task, and career / life balance
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A4: With new teachers, it is often classroom management or learning how to navigate policies and procedures unique to the district.
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A4: the feeling that they are as good as everyone else. Constant praise from admin & our support is needed. https://t.co/bqe9dX7GFi
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Q4: What are the greatest challenges that are faced by teachers that are new to a school district?
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A4 There is so much to learn...policies, procedures, expectations, routines, curriculum, names, (student and colleagues), etc.
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Q4: for a few years here it was the union vs non-Union pulls. That's faded so now I'd say it's understanding the unique cultures
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A4: Learning & becoming part of the established culture. One reason good mentors are so important. https://t.co/FJctvGnCMY
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Q4: What are the greatest challenges that are faced by teachers that are new to a school district?
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A4 Many things are new to veteran Ts too so it's challenging to help/show them as we are all learning but that's often great too.
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A4: Have to agree with many of you. Until classroom management is figured out, nothing else good is going to happen.
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A4: Classroom mgmnt and figuring out all of the tech-related grade books, curric resources, data warehouses, assessments, etc.
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A-4: Playing catch up with district initiatives and on-going PD; establishing relationships with peers and students
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We admin do love our initiatives, don't we :) https://t.co/fuhVWAxQN7
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A-4: Playing catch up with district initiatives and on-going PD; establishing relationships with peers and students
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One reason building relationships is so important. Know something about the individual so that you can support them.
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Q5: What supports are in place in your school/district to help support teachers (either new or veteran) who are struggling?
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A4 While there is so much to learn, I feel rejuvenated and re-energized by changing districts after 12 years.
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A5. With extensive T leadership roles, access and availability to support is easy so with any struggle we can rely on each other.
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A5: We have a strong coaching support network in our district. In addition, we have an Employee Assistance Program for all staff.
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A5: Feel very fortunate to have 2 instructional coaches in my bld. Really complements Admin support. https://t.co/QIrnKTbQAf
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Q5: What supports are in place in your school/district to help support teachers (either new or veteran) who are struggling?
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A-5: Mentoring and Induction academy support for new teachers and all benefit from teacher leadership roles and support!
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Q5: PLCs to fidelity. Teacher coaching. Resources put where data indicates needs are
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A5: Some formal procedures. But some leaders are good at being ahead of this and setting supports in place early.
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Nothing more powerful than T coaching! Awesome! Keep that stuff up! https://t.co/LFy0rNmGlp
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Q5: PLCs to fidelity. Teacher coaching. Resources put where data indicates needs are
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A5: Instructional coaches, PLCs, team mtgs, staff conferences. Supportive admin team! https://t.co/CR6keqHUID
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Q5: What supports are in place in your school/district to help support teachers (either new or veteran) who are struggling?
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A5: We have an Instructional Rounds structure set up to provide instructional support for all staff who are interested.
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Q5: In addition T mental health is a real problem right now. More so than bad teaching. That's even tougher to help with.
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A5. We are all continuously learning, our culture supports vulnerability for seeking assistance-even after 34 years!
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completely agree. Life balance is so important. Important for leaders too. https://t.co/vqAYmnpXBR
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Q5: In addition T mental health is a real problem right now. More so than bad teaching. That's even tougher to help with.
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I spend more time on that than any other T issue...Great point. https://t.co/qKOUm9BgwS
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Q5: In addition T mental health is a real problem right now. More so than bad teaching. That's even tougher to help with.
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Q6: On a personal level, what will personally commit to doing to help new teachers feel welcome in your building this year?
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Interesting point. My net salary has decreased for the last several years in a row. Brings some challenging feelings
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A4: understanding the district's climate and culture while grasping instructional expectations
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A6. The enthusiasm and excitement they bring is contagious and keeps me young. I have the best job.
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A6: Before school: Send each one a welcome text
In school: Regular check ins.
Outisde school: Will connect w/each at lease once.
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A6: LOVE them. Honor them. Help them w/o judgement. Learn from them. Also, stealing from gonna write them each a note!
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A6: Be genuinely welcoming, check in often, know them as a person and value those parts of their lives
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A6 As a new teacher on a new district, I appreciate all who let me ask questions and those who check in on me.
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Q6: I stop in and say hello or goodnight to every new staff every day I am in the building. Informal.
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A6: I personally commit to regular classroom visits, making positive phone calls to my new staff and writing them thank you cards.
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A6 As a veteran teacher, I want to support the new teachers and be available to them for whatever they need.
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A6: Making connections. Learning and supporting personal goals in addition to professional ones.
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A6: Get them out of the building and talk. The environment is distracting and stressful.
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A6: Friend on FB, tell a joke a week, invite to hang out, invite them over for webinars at my house (Visible Learning 2morrow!)
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A6: I am committed to saying thank you every chance I get. We have amazing teachers serving incredible students. Time to say thanks
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such a simple, yet powerful word....thanks https://t.co/oXdv0l3hRN
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A6: I am committed to saying thank you every chance I get. We have amazing teachers serving incredible students. Time to say thanks
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A6: I personally commit to making all of my new teachers laugh as much as possible this year.
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"Thank you for (specific reason)" and a smile are crucial to being approachable and trustworthy.
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A3 our induction is 4 days orientation w/ mentor meeting on last day. Face to face w/all departments & sup! Bus tour of dust
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Does it count if they laugh at me? https://t.co/ye1IiYqos2
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A6: I personally commit to making all of my new teachers laugh as much as possible this year.
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Svetlana jumping in late but very passionate about this topic. Couldn't resist!
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Best way to laugh! More "with" than "at", but a little "at" doesn't hurt too much, right?!?
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I'm new, so plenty of "modeling failure" to laugh at. But, I don't mind :) https://t.co/IvvarsZW8t
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Best way to laugh! More "with" than "at", but a little "at" doesn't hurt too much, right?!?
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Honestly, even the smile alone goes a long, long way!
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Q7: If you could offer some veteran teacher advice to your first year teacher self, what would it be?
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This. Yes. There is nothing better for bonding than laughter! https://t.co/1pCvFOb0kF
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A6: I personally commit to making all of my new teachers laugh as much as possible this year.
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A7 Breathe. Take time for yourself. You will make it.
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A6: write three notes of thanks every single day. It helps make magic happen!
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A7: Just wrote about that! Sorry. I write an hour a day. I just wrote about everything....
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- thanks for joining us on
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A7: Take a breath, relax. When you're ready, ask for help. It will be fine. Don't stay too late!
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A-6: Encourage them to grow professionally by networking with other new teachers and also make sure they make time for themselves!
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Q7. Do you mean 34 years ago? I remember they told me to add a 0 to my salary and that's what I would make when I retired. Wrong!
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A7: Quoting one of my faves "Treat everyone as they are good."
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Q7: just because you taught it does not mean they learned it. You are not a teacher. You are a manager of learning.
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A7: remember that this profession is noble. We get to help and make dreams come true!
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My personal mantra: "Act as if..." Act as if everyone is good & we'll rise together! https://t.co/6WGL2RWX85
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A7: Quoting one of my faves "Treat everyone as they are good."
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A7: Make every student think they are your favorite! Another idea.
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A7. You will never regret being a teacher. You'll experience ups and downs but it's the best profession. Remember your purpose.
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sorry I missed it. I'm presenting at on new teacher mentor programs. So important to school culture
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A7: My advice is: Don't forget to enjoy the ride. There are so many great moments we miss if we take things too seriously.
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A7: Find ways to love what you do and love the kids. The rest will work itself out.
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A6: I personally commit to seeking out ways to connect 1-to-1 with both new and veteran staff each week. https://t.co/ESBhDpyJan
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Q6: On a personal level, what will personally commit to doing to help new teachers feel welcome in your building this year?
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A7b: My Dad told me to keep a journal of all the crazy things you will encounter...wish I'd listened.
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A7: Remind them that working with kids is still the best gig in town, because it matters.
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A6 Research=Ss learn & retain more if fun/humor/whimsy in instruction, so think Robin Wiiliams, but remember Attila the Hun ;)
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Thanks for being a part of tonight. Have a great week at work.
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A7: Always celebrate the small wins! https://t.co/LWDUxm402g
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A7: My advice is: Don't forget to enjoy the ride. There are so many great moments we miss if we take things too seriously.
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A-7: Suggest a joint chat with and so that we can expand networks, ideas, and the passion for leading!
