The Acalanes Union High School District provides an induction program that provides new teachers with the knowledge and skills to become reflective and equity-centered
public school educators and leaders.
The Guiding Vision of AUHSD’s
Induction Program
AUHSD’s approach to educator preparation and professional learning is grounded in the belief that with supportive mentorship, all new teachers can become equity-centered practitioners and collaborative leaders in California. Our induction program, informed by the California Standards of the Teaching Profession, is designed to cultivate five essential educator competencies, which foster compassionate, innovative, and inclusive learning environments within our high achieving schools.
Inquiry Based Learner
We believe a teacher's learning journey is best facilitated by collaborative mentorship that uses inquiry as means of developing the best pedagogical practices and providing the foundation for career-long professional growth. Teachers identify instructional goals and reflect upon outcomes in relationship to student learning, thereby deepening their pedagogical knowledge, skills and reflective habits.
Culturally Relevant Educator
We help teachers design curriculum, develop teaching practices and create assessments, which incorporate the intellectual, linguistic, social and emotional needs of all students. Teachers acquire the professional acumen to differentiate instruction and assessments, while maintaining rigorous learning standards. Our educational philosophy is informed by the research and writings of Gloria Ladson-Billings, Zaretta Hammond, and Anthony Muhammad, who believe that culturally responsive teaching is the foundation of all student learning.
Reflective Practitioner
We believe teaching is an ever changing and dynamic profession that requires educators to be reflective and resilient. The growth mindset orientation of our induction program empowers teachers to experiment, adapt and improve their ability to meet the varied learning needs of all their students.
Collaborative Colleague
We believe professional learning communities foster educator growth and the best learning outcomes for students. Teachers need opportunities to collaboratively plan curriculum, assess student learning, and develop strategies for increasing student success.
Teacher Leader:
AUHSD is committed to developing highly effective teacher leaders, who possess the knowledge, instructional skills, reflective mindset and resilience to drive school improvement. By acting as a collaborative colleague, a teacher leader contributes to a school culture where innovation, professional growth, and student success are continually prioritized.
Induction Staff
Molly Kerr, Coordinator of New Teacher Support is responsible for the ongoing oversight and coordination of the Induction Program. If you are a Participating Teacher or Mentor in the program or have questions about AUHSD's Induction program, please contact Molly.
Email: mkerr@auhsdschools.org
Shelly Hadley, Executive Assistant in Administrative Services works in collaboration with the Coordinator of New Teacher Support to both identify eligible candidates for Induction and to ensure candidates are successfully recommended to the CTC for a Clear Credential once they have completed the program.
Email: shadley@auhsdschools.org
