Design

III. DESIGN

At our March Curriculum Team Meeting we discussed LEAP training (New Teacher PD Program) ideas for the 2019-2020 school year. We discussed the changes we made during the 2018-2019 school year and found that the teachers really appreciated the fact that we were no longer taking them out of their classroom for 6 days of training during their first year. We discussed how disconnected we felt with them and knew that they had several questions and needs that required support but without seeing them every month or so, we were in the dark.

At this point in the meeting I asked if I could try a new form of mentorship program with the teachers that would be assigned to me (I work with 2-3 grade teachers). I explained my idea of meeting with them once a month as a formal mentor and that I would be there to answer ANY questions that they had. Not just content specific questions but everyday, run of the mill, first year, crazy, teacher questions. I explained that I simply wanted to build relationships with these new teachers and be there to support them with whatever they needed. My Curriculum Director liked the idea and told me to go ahead and try it. The other Instructional Coaches felt like they should try and provide the same support for the teachers that were assigned to them in their grade level bands. After a long discussion the ELL coaches and middle school coaches were also on board to try the same thing with the new 6-8 grade middle school teachers. (Coaching and Mentoring - Connect colleagues based on strengths, needs, and personal qualities and determine methods to meet those needs.)

Here is a picture of the Curriculum Meeting agenda and notes from the March 2019 meeting.

We will conduct a New Teacher Boot Camp the week before school starts in August. At this time each teacher will be introduced and assigned to an instructional coach who will serve as their mentor for the year. The coach will get to know the teachers assigned to them and set up a meeting schedule. These informal meetings will take place after school. They will be one on one or in a small group if there are a few new teachers at the same school. These meetings are designed to build relationships only, not deliver content specific instruction or coaching unless the teacher specifically asks for it. The goal is to provide support for the new teachers in any capacity that they need, whether it is curriculum support, management, or emotional support. If the assigned mentor is unable to provide specific needs they will be able to put that new teacher in touch with other coaches that can provide that support. We will create a Google Drive folder for each teacher to record any notes or resources that we share so they have a place to keep all of the information that we discuss. (Coaching and Mentoring - Connect colleagues based on strengths, needs, and personal qualities and determine methods to meet those needs.)

Giving these teachers a chance to build that relationship will allow for opportunities to get to know more about their cultural background and needs. Once that is recognized and acknowledged then we can work on collaboration skills that may be a limitation. The first step is establishing that relationship. (Collaborate Purposefully - Determine and implement a plan to overcome obstacles.)

In year 2 of this plan these new teachers will attend LEAP (Learning, Engaging, and Applying Practices) training. This PD will allow me to lead sessions where I share content research and best practice and take teachers to see these practices in action in classrooms across the district. Teachers are encouraged to bring and share new ideas to help each other grow professionally. (Continued Learning - Create learning for others by utilizing job-embedded professional learning strategies as well as activities outside their school.)

Year 3 will provide opportunities for teachers interested in growing professionally. There are Math, ELA, and Tech Integration Cadres available by application if teachers want to further their growth in one of those areas. (Adult Learning - Develop professional learning opportunities for colleagues, targeted to their specific needs and designed to encourage growth.) (Coaching and Mentoring - Identify and promote colleagues who would be good mentors and/or leaders.)

We will hold monthly Curriculum Meetings where mentors can share their experiences and problem solve any issues that come up with the plan. This will give us the opportunity to learn from each other and grow the program collaboratively. In return, first year teachers will feel supported. They will have someone to ask questions and seek out resources. Teaching partners will not feel the burden of taking a new teacher under their wing and be their only source of support.

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year I will send out a teacher feedback survey to see how the program was received and implement any changes that teachers feel are necessary. I will check new teacher turnover rates and see if there has been any improvement from the previous year. I think the building Principal would provide some helpful feedback as well.

Curriculum team meetings are an excellent time to collaborate and problem solve new ideas.

ELA Cadre application form.