Good morning warriors!
@KristenDolen is leading the convo this morning on supporting new teachers! But first, let's see who is in the arena!
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
Gooood morning everyone! Kristen Dolen, middle school AP from Liberal, KS. Glad to be here and thankful for this opportunity. I would say these emojis sum up how I felt as a new educator 😳😱🤪🤔😂 #EduGladiators
Good morning warriors!
@KristenDolen is leading the convo this morning on supporting new teachers! But first, let's see who is in the arena!
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
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Good morning warriors!
@KristenDolen is leading the convo this morning on supporting new teachers! But first, let's see who is in the arena!
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
Good morning warriors!
@KristenDolen is leading the convo this morning on supporting new teachers! But first, let's see who is in the arena!
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
A1 I had an amazing cooperating teacher during my student teaching and reached out to her a lot that first yr. Thank goodness for mentors! #edugladiators
A1: My first year was interesting! Myself and 5 other Ts were all first year Ts at that school; a brand new ELA department. So we kinda all leaned on each other! My principal was also very supportive, he was like a dad to me! #EduGladiators
I was there as well! I spent about ten days visiting my younger son in southern France. @JCasaTodd was also in the area coincidentally. How about you? #edugladiators
Good morning warriors!
@KristenDolen is leading the convo this morning on supporting new teachers! But first, let's see who is in the arena!
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
A1: I was very fortunate to start my teaching career at my former middle school. Many of my former teachers were still there and shared their best tips & lessons while giving me space to find my rhythm. They were also open to new ideas I had & tried them. #EduGladiators
A1: I was a member of an alt cert program, and my cohort stayed in touch. We had class together most nights so we always connected about our days. We were out of the house from 5am until 11pm every day so we bonded over it. #edugladiators
A1: I had two teachers on my team that were so helpful. They answered my questions and supported me. There was great room for me to breathe and find my own way but the support was there when needed. #edugladiators
A1: My mom was a paraprofessional and the teacher she was with were invaluable resources that gave me access to anything I needed. I'll be forever thankful. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @KristenDolen, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
Q1 My clinical teacher stayed in touch and helped to guide me along the way. We didn’t have the 6 month, no contact rule after her retirement. She was kind, inspiring, and always wanted to do what was best for Ss! #edugladiators
A1: My across the hall partner was great...we talked through problems we both faced, shared resources, traded kids when necessary for our sanity #EduGladiators
A1: I had an amazing ELA team with veteran teachers who were extremely helpful in getting me started, giving ideas and suggestions, and supporting ideas I had. They helped me understand I’d fail sometimes and that’s okay and that ed can be tough even for veterans. #EduGladiators
A1. I had a long term sub assignment last spring. Always felt like i was on an island. Often times my emails to fellow Ts and admin went unanswered. Peer Ts would not acknowledge a “hello” #EduGladiators
A1) My first year I felt isolated from most staff as I felt I was still a kid and they were much older. I recall one staff member who basically mothered" me through the first year #edugladiators
A1: My first year was bumpy. A school that was primarily veteran teachers that did not like my “try new things” approach. One however was so kind and supportive. They are retired now but we still keep in contact. #EduGladiators
A1) It was really a team effort, 1st grade Ts welcomed me on to team, assisted w/classroom set up, was surprised how supportive Ps were too, was hired 3 DAYS before school began #EduGladiators
A1. I taught in a wing of the school with a number of veteran teachers and they consistently checked in on me and were always there to provide advice. #EduGladiators
#EduGladiators. In my 1st year, my principal provided me a lot of support in the form of encouragement & reflective questions. He continually questioned me & prompted me to develop myself as a leader by sharing, encouraging, and investing in others. Which really helped me grow!
A1. My county assigned instructional coach through @pgcps. “The more systems you have in place in your classroom, the smoother your year will be.” Couldn’t agree more! That’s a page right out of @Doug_Lemov’s #TeachLikeAChampion playbook #EduGladiators
A1: Thank goodness for the tribe I met @parkwaymiddle my first year of teaching! My colleagues ended up becoming life-long friends! @spinelli_pamela was a life saver in helping me balance, work through classroom management, and find humor in the process! #edugladiators
A1) I was part of a program and my mentor was invaluable. She knew how to push me, motivate me, and support me. We had a genuine relationship. I am going to reach out to her this week. #edugladiators
A1: My principal at that time made it a point not just to nurture me but to befriend me. My wife and I were invited to his house to play cards, etc. and he tried to make sure that it was not all work for me that first year. #edugladiators
@lisamoorehead reached out to share resources, to encourage some risk-taking, and to make connections with other educators during my first year teaching. She was definitely an encourager. #EduGladiators
A1: my first year in education, I was teaching 2 days a week and subbing the rest in different districts. It was hard to feel like part of any team. Lucky for me, the T across the hall had been there for a very long time and had seen it all so she could support me. #EduGladiators
A1. I did the alt. cert program through Troops to Teachers & my assigned cadre leader & my cohort members were my support. They served as an unofficial PLC to discuss issues. #edugladiators
A1b. My support system consisted of teachers within my same subject area (chemistry), those within my department to chat about curriculum and instruction, and those outside of science to discuss life.#EduGladiators
A2 Our new Ts are assigned mentors during that 1st yr, whether brand new or new to district. We also encourage Ts to advise clubs, join committees, & share. #edugladiators
A1) I was also fortunate to be part of what became known as #TheCrew. They truly helped me with my learning curve in more ways than one. @DelshonHenry1@lyri#edugladiators
A2: Our community does a new teacher fair before school starts where diff businesses/orgs give out a bunch of free stuff. At my school in particular, we’re planning on doing monthly socials. We also offer coaching/sponsor positions. #EduGladiators
Our New Teachers page https://t.co/zQyCUxTLay What helped me become a better teacher page https://t.co/OXybKAYg3x The best thing that my first principal did when I first started teaching was have me observe a master teacher. I learned so much from this experience. #EduGladiators
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A2: Very important to provide new Ts with a robust support system. Often times districts have a "mentor program" that is superficial at best. Also, don't be afraid to let new Ts take on leadership roles in the school. #EduGladiators
I’m seeing a lot of mentor ship offered in A2...we did the same...but the downfall I often saw was that the mentors did not receive adequate pre-training or directives to mentor...anyone else see that? #EduGladiators
A2: my school is a charter and our University sponsor has a program for 1st year teachers. They meet once a month with someone an instructional coach. They are walked through the process for their certification and I camaraderie develops. #EduGladiators
A2: New teacher fairs and breakfasts, mentors, school has been having socials once a month through summer, opportunities with coaching, clubs, and even just supervising/ working at games. #EduGladiators
Definitely for the first year... then beyond that there is are requirements to get full registration so your mentor often works with you until that happens sometime in 2nd year) #edugladiators
I'm interested to hear more of what your academy covers. We have new T orientation, but it gets mixed reviews each yr based on content & needs. #edugladiators
In reply to
@PaulONeill1972, @EduGladiators, @KristenDolen, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A2: At @verobeachelem we believe Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe- so we start off each year with a staff retreat-Brings newbies together w/ team creating handshakes, songs, reannacting movie scenes.. all the fun & crazy. It’s part of a @GooseChase competition! #edugladiators
A2: Each new teacher gets a mentor in our district. This helps them connect and learn more about the daily happenings in school that undergrads don’t learn in college. :) #EduGladiators
A2: Every school has a different culture and procedures, so it is essential that someone new has a trusted go-to person for the questions that inevitably arise. #edugladiators
A2: They pretty much have new educators dive right in - but the problem is that they entice new educators with so many ways to get involved that they burn out. You don't have to join every committee, every team, every program - do what you can and don't compete #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A2: USD 480 hosts a new teacher fair. Local businesses & organizations all come with prizes & giveaways. It helps new staff explore what is available in our community (in one location) and it also builds connections, and shows how much our town values educators!
A2: As a small school, we offer plenty of opportunities for new teachers to get involved in various facets of our school, ranging from volunteering to leadership. As for professional learning, we have teacher mentors and new teacher orientation in our district. #EduGladiators
A2) @waukeshaschools has coaches that serve as mentors and a wide variety of professional development opportunities to help new educators that are entering the profession. #edugladiators
Good morning #EduGladiators Steph Dill elementary SPED T in Colorado, joining the chat late as I'm in California right now. Time difference has me messed up.
A2. Our leadership team looks for opportunities or new teachers to be an integral part of our school/district community. Empower new teachers with opportunities! #EduGladiators
A2. Our new Ts are supported by our instructional innovators before school starts by teaching them the technological wheelhouse of resources they have access to as well as checkins throughout year. Mentor-mentee relationships are built, & dept leaders build trust #EduGladiators
A2) We have NTs orientation at the start & NTs & mentor sessions thru out the year, many Ts “check in” with newbies, assist, guide where they can & if NT needs/wants #EduGladiators#reachout
Yes! I've mentored and had little training and this year we meet monthly and could get advice and support each other on how to handle things. #EduGladiators
Working the gate or sponsoring a club at games or art events is a fantastic way for new Ts to be exposed to more of the Ss in a school and their parents! #EduGladiators
A2) I make it a point to meet with new educators on a bi-weekly basis. During this time we talk about career aspirations, interests, and is a great time to ask questions. I might not know the answer but we will find it together. #edugladiators
A2b. New Ts are encouraged to join committees or begin their own! My principal wholeheartedly believes in everyone pursuing their passion. The innovative spirit of our staff is inspiring! #EduGladiators
A2. My dist/campus offers numerous campus improvement teams & all teachers chooses a team based on their interests. These teams directly impact the Ss on campus & allows Ts collab with Ts who they normally do not work with. #EduGladiators
A1: My 1st year I was hired in Dec. as a 1st grade T in the building I had student taught in. My cooperating T became a colleague & my mentor. My GL team supported me & made sure I had everything I needed. She was patient, honest, understanding, compassionate. #EduGladiators
A2: Our new teachers choose from hour long workshops to learn about our grade program, etc. Most importantly (in my mind) they are also set up with a mentor for their first 2 years. They can also sponsor clubs, coach, & join some committees. #EduGladiators
A3: Our district put together a culture committee and a retention committee a couple years ago. We started a new “refer a friend” process where if someone you referred gets hired, you get a stipend. We also have a longevity stipend. #EduGladiators
A3: Encourage and empower them in areas of their educational passions, help foster colleagues as a social community through teacher gatherings. #edugladiators
A3: We communicate with our employees. Who better to know good fits for our system than professionals who already understand our students? #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @KristenDolen, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
Q3: Hiring is my most important job. I literally call myself a “stalker” because I’m so passionate about bringing the right people to my kiddos and team- I post positions on social media & shout out people we have hired. I try to support each with love & compassion #edugladiators
A2: In our small school, it’s easy to jump right in and get involved! All hands on deck. We do have a mentor program, and small PLCs are a really important way to share ideas and know you are supported. #EduGladiators
Mentors are a great way to help new Ts better their craft. In one of my former districts we had district based personnel called mentor teachers. They were assigned clusters to support new Ts in their blogs w/check in, planning & co-teaching. #EduGladiators
A3: #EduGladiators. Our district started a refer a friend program that stipends current staff for a referred hired. Strong mentors and PLCs help retain. I think a district childcare facility would be helpful for our staff with littles.
Mentors are a great way to help new Ts better their craft. In one of my former districts we had district based personnel called mentor teachers. They were assigned clusters to support new Ts in their blogs w/check in, planning & co-teaching. #EduGladiators
A3: I can’t scream it loud enough...#personalizedpD and instructional coaching is key...a targeted approach to support with more proactive and less reactive #EduGladiators
A3: Teach for America, Teaching Fellows, etc. I began my career through one of these programs and although I had a great experience, teacher turnover is SO high. Hardly know anyone who has made it more than 3 years in one building or 5 overall #EduGladiators
A3. Providing educators with ownership over their work. For example, propose a new course, build programs such as Art or STEAM. Trust professionals to do great things when they are empowered to take ownership. #EduGladiators
A2: All new Ts to my district attend week long TOCLI (Teacher Orientation & Continuous Learning). Each building has an assigned lead mentor & brand new Ts all receive a mentor for their 1st year. PD is offered based on a variety of interests throughout the year. #EduGladiators
A3 Something that I would like to see is housing help with new Ts. I know of districts that have discounts in housing locations for Ts and this can help attract Ts to our area. #edugladiators
A3. Having multiple support systems is vital for new Ts. An assigned mentor, dept & admin relationships are vital for support year 1. Ts feel overwhelmed with mandates. Supporting staff with radical candor to grow & appreciate while challenging is key #EduGladiators
A3: one of the things I’m chewing on here is how to help Ts have their Maslow needs taken care of. So often schools focus on higher levels, when all ts want is stability, safety, security. I’m see you Ts in OK (and many other states). #EduGladiators
Districts must put their money in people! District Mentor Ts were Master Ts & able to not only support in theory but model strategies to Ts in class. #EduGladiators
A3: District gives away incentives. Really give new Ts tons of opps to grow through conferences, etc and help them build relationships within. When I was in college, ppl said there were no teaching jobs- HUGE lie. Would be helpful if ppl stopped saying this. #EduGladiators
A3 As an island, I feel like we deal w/ a lot. Housing is a major concern here. We network w/ possible rental properties & have some school housing available to staff. #EduGladiators
A3. We hosted #EdCamp at our school on a Saturday for #CatholicEd teachers in the greater Washington DC area. 30+ folks showed up (including @sarahdateechur!). We had one teacher from another school so impressed that she applied for a teaching job (and was hired)! #EduGladiators
A3: My school is using teacher residency programs, we have student teachers for the first time in years! And honestly, competitive pay. Its definitely a deciding point for some to join the school. #EduGladiators
A3: one of the things I’m also chewing on is housing for Ts. What if Districts provided free/low cost housing for new Ts in the communities they served? #EduGladiators
Looking back, the importance of formal mentors and PLCs wasn’t realized when I started teaching 20+ years ago. Tech has changed the game too. Oh how times have changed! #EduGladiators
A4: As an administrator, I plan to be visible and approachable! I’d like to strike up small conversations. I also hope to get our Booster Club involved! #EduGladiators
That’s awesome Cindy! As Ldrs we must make it know that we value our Ts & create environment where they feel valued. Shouting it in social media can create #fomo that encourages Ts to want to be at your school! #EduGladiators
A3. We must change the political narrative in this country and literally be the change we want to see. As educators we possess the power to make education an incredibly attractive profession. That will attract more talent. #EduGladiators
A4 Go out of my way to give a warm welcome: my cell phone #, books I've found helpful, supplies that may be needed are thoughtful ways to welcome a new T. #EduGladiators
A4: Handwritten notes of welcome. There is something about that handwritten note that implies investment when it is easy to type something instead. It is interesting to me how many of these handwritten notes have been saved through the years. #edugladiators
A3: Our district has job fairs, HS have a VATFT (VA teachers for tomorrow) program, mentorship programs in each building, PD selections can be made based on individual interest & passions. Resources are provided & we have various specialists in each building #EduGladiators
It is a huge issue! I started out with @TeachForAmerica and the district ended up amping up their new teacher support to match what #TFA was doing. #edugladiators
Q3: Our district also does a New Teacher PD for two days to get them ready. They bring in guest speakers from around the district to give PD and support- I’ll be presenting with @Rachel_Moree about strategies for working with kiddos in poverty #edugladiators
A4: Be ready to lend an ear when they want to talk...a first day welcome pack with a pen, post-its and a candy bar...comment positively when you see their class doing well in the hallway #EduGladiators
A4: Make an effort to stop by their room & say hello. Offer to help with the copy machine or other things that may need a little instruction. Invite them to lunch. #EduGladiators
A4: Help then prep their classroom by sharing supplies and manpower. Take them to a meal in their new town. Introduce them to others who share the same hobbies/interests. Ask about the needs of their family. Are they looking for a preschool? A church? Etc. #EduGladiators
A4: Be intentional about asking how they’re doing and settling in. Inviting them to lunch on a workday or something. See if they need any help even if they’re not my content area. #EduGladiators
Yup! Complete matrix mapped out for for all teachers schoolwide: teams of 3-4 rotate together between 3 classes for 15 minutes apiece. Everyone in the building observes 3 colleagues and is observed by one team. This book was SUPER helpful! https://t.co/qJftUY9TUk#EduGladiators
In reply to
@specialtechie, @NCEATALK, @ASCDconf, @SeriousPlayConf, @PLC4Character
A4 Planning to be visible for new Ts. It’s important to ensure they have all of the supplies and resources they need to start the new year. #edugladiators
A4: As an admin, asking new Ts; “what would make this teaching experience the best you’ve ever encountered?” And then take notes and work to implement, would be a huge start #EduGladiators
So true. We bring folks down to Mexico away from their support systems so we have to really be aware of how they are doing outside the classroom! #edugladiators
A3) My District is affiliated with many colleges and teacher programs, we host many student teachers, we also advertise using many different platforms. #EduGladiators
That’s a great way to support Ts outside of the classroom! Have to make sure community is mtg Ts needs too! As POC, I have to consider if there is a salon/barber or health/beauty products applicable to me & my family. It’s the small things. #EduGladiators
A4: Say hello, welcome them to the building. Its easy to be overwhelmed as a 1st year Tt, offer help to relieve stress. Anything to decrease that feeling. #EduGladiators
A3. My district guarantees a job for any graduate who becomes a teacher. More emphasis must b put on HS Ts prep programs. Counselors should target males & minorities due to the shortage. In 10yrs I have only seen 3 males in the program. #EduGladiators
A4: As a principal and lead learner, It’s truly about the authentic and genuine connection. Just checking up on them and letting them know I’m here to support them in my way goes so far. #weareinthistogether#EduGladiators
A4: I’ve been a lead mentor & mentor for several years now. This year, I’ll have the honor to collaborate with another mentee. However, I’ll introduce myself to all new Ts & inform them of my role & how I can provide support as well as ask them how I can help. #EduGladiators
I was fortunate enough to have great mentoring but encountered a severe problem several years in - and I do mean severe. The support was nonexistent. I was on my own. #edugladiators
Yes. I really think workplace dynamics are shifting. It’s not a paycheck. Our Ts, at minimum, should have their basic needs met. Schools need to be aware of this. High turnover could be culture, it could also be Maslow. #EduGladiators
A4: Support for New Ts (new to profession or new to bldg/district) has to be on-going! It can’t stop at New Ts Orientation at the start of the year. #EduGladiators
A4: Introduce yourself and invite them to lunch! Also it’s important to stop by once in a while and ask how their school day went. Once School has started, don’t forget they are still new and could be struggling. #EduGladiators
This is a great idea! Everyone benefits when teachers are able to afford to live in the community where they work, which in many places isn't possible. Know of any examples of comm. doing this? #EduGladiators
It seems that we want to find ways to make education the first profession where one can support a spouse and family and not limit it to those who already have another income in the house. #EduGladiators
A4. By actually telling them that I am their resource & actually checking on them to include the progress on organizing their rooms. Also checking on them regularly throughout the year & having regular conversations with them. #edugladiators
Well. As a society, it would seem that would match our stated values around education. Otherwise, teaching is literally just a job; which might be why we have a shortage? #EduGladiators
Hi #edugladiators - excited to participate in the chat and learn from the group. I serve as a director of teacher retention in the great state of Florida!
A4: Too much advice can be very overwhelming...share simple kindness, a listening ear, reassurances, an open door and offer to assist with set up. Then, you will become a ‘go to’ and trusted friend and colleague! #EduGladiators
We have something similar that spans the 1st few months of school; meet each Monday for 2-3 hours on different topics. Feedback I've gotten is that the leaders of those sessions seem out of touch w/ needs of new Ts. Wish more vet Ts were involved in leading those. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@PaulONeill1972, @EduGladiators, @KristenDolen, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80
A4) I always stop to say hello, I feel them out. It can be really overwhelming, and I don’t want to add to their plate. I offer assistance, and if they want it, I’m there to help. #EduGladiators#Notoverbearing
A3: New educators need to know that that they matter, that others care about them, that they have shoulders to lean on and that what they do, each day does MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Believe in them! #EduGladiators
A1: the now principal at @gotha_ocps Mrs. Emery was my mentor in my first year...and she didn’t even know it! She made herself and her resources available to me. She showed me what good planning and teaching looked like. #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A3: we do not have a recruiting strategy at this time. Retaining quality teachers is a must. We need to make sure new teachers have a mentor, new teachers need to feel part of the culture, need to communicate with them each and every day to see how they are.
A2: I could do better helping new Ts get involved. I could organize a monthly social for new teachers to be able to connect with others like them and help new Ts ID opportunities to get involved in school activities that align with their interests/goals. #edugladiators
