New Teacher Developmental Programs and Resources are Mandatory!

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I really enjoy the work TNTP (The New Teacher Project) does towards teacher development. In the Teacher Development, the TNTP re-imaging teaching document explains how to provide high quality development for teachers to thrive. It goes over strategies for growing teams of teacher-leaders, tools for teachers to be successful in the classroom, purposeful professional development based off of individual teacher practices, and supports that need to be in place for teacher to practice perfect!Yes, this is great but what if you had access to resources directly related to areas YOU in particular struggle with? Nice, right! Well in Denver teacher have access to an online platform of visual video resources that teacher can access directly related to their specific need on a ongoing evaluation. This is a great way to see what is expected from an administrator as well as have the link-tied to your principal’s reflection for ongoing training and support. Many schools now have these resources available but not organized in this way.If you want teachers to stay make sure you build systems of support! In 2001, Ms. Dixon and Ms. Valdez were my mentor teachers and each mentor brought individual talents that helped me through those tough beginning years. Many of these people have a special place in my heart, kudos to extraordinary mentors! Larger district offer a wealth of support at Los Angeles Unified School District they provide teachers with the supports below. Does your school offer these supports? NEW TEACHER SUPPORT SYSTEMSIn order to provide on-going support for new teachers, the following support personnel are available.LITERACY COACHThe Literacy Coach assists with implementing the district’s reading program adopted at the schools. The Literacy Coach supports new and experienced teachers, and plans and facilitates professional development.MATH COACHThe Math Coach assists with implementing the district’s math program at the schools. The Math Coach supports new and experienced teachers, plans and facilitates professional development.BUDDY TEACHERA Buddy Teacher is an experienced teacher who is either assigned as a buddy or volunteers to assist. This Buddy Teacher usually is at the same grade level and provides assistance by familiarizing the new teacher with the curriculum and activities for that grade level and guides the new teacher into the culture of the school and community. This form of support is a relaxed and informal relationship.NBC TEACHERNational Board Certified Teachers provide support at the local school site based on the needs of the staff. NBC teachers instruct salary point classes, facilitate new teacher meetings regarding school procedures and instructional policies, and plan and assist during grade level and track meetings.PARThe Peer Assistance and Review programs have experienced, accomplished consulting teachers to provide sustained assistance to teachers who need it. Peer Assistance programs assist first-year teachers and other educators new to the school system and help veteran teachers improve their knowledge and skills. In Peer Review a consulting teacher may evaluate and support teachers with unsatisfactory evaluations.APEIS (ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS)Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist coordinates on going collaboration between special education and general education personnel, monitors the implementation of required District procedures in accordance with the Special Education Compliance Guide, facilitates implementation of appropriate interventions, facilitates special education referrals and related assessments, and coordinates ongoing professional development for certificated personnel.PROGRAM SPECIALISTA program specialist is available through the local district’s coordinator of Special Education to support special education teacher. A program specialist clarifies program goals, intercedes in the areas of program implementation and Special Education procedures and guidelines.PROGRAM COORDINATORS(such as Title I, magnet, bilingual, special education, and testing coordinators) Coordinators assist new teachers with schedules, supplies, instructional materials, school policies and guidelines, classroom management, testing procedures, teacher’s assistants, and parent conferences.