Embedded Files
Policy in Practice
Policy in Practice
Policy in Practice is your go-to resource for ensuring full alignment with the Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP) requirements. Here, administrators will find practical tips, proven strategies, and quick-reference tools—sourced directly from schools in our district that have contributed to achieving 100% Beginning Teacher completion. Learn what works, streamline your processes, and create a supportive environment for new educators.
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Melanie Friday, Lawrence Orr Elementary
Melanie Friday, Lawrence Orr Elementary
Set Clear Expectations
Provide Professional Development and Resources
Deliver Frequent, Constructive Feedback
Foster a Safe and Supportive Culture
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Set Clear Expectations
Define roles, responsibilities, and performance standards for both beginning teachers and mentors.
Communicate expectations consistently through written guidelines and regular check-ins.
Provide Professional Development and Resources
Offer targeted training sessions focused on classroom management, instructional strategies, and mentorship best practices.
Ensure access to high-quality resources, including lesson planning tools, curriculum guides, and collaborative platforms.
All of our teams are supported by highly qualified Multi-Classroom Leaders and Expanded Impact Teachers who provide clear guidance and model effective teaching strategies.
Deliver Frequent, Constructive Feedback
Schedule regular observations and feedback sessions.
Use a strengths-based approach to highlight successes while addressing areas for growth.
Foster a Safe and Supportive Culture
Encourage openness by reinforcing that it’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”
Promote the mindset: “You cannot fix what you are unwilling to acknowledge.” This creates trust and normalizes learning as a process.
Windsor Park Elementary
Windsor Park Elementary
Using Classroom Visit Data to Develop Teacher Leaders
Collaborative Monthly Mentor Meetings
Targeted Professional Development for Beginning Teachers
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Using Classroom Visit Data to Develop Teacher Leaders
We analyze classroom visit data to identify teacher leaders who demonstrate effective practices. These educators help guide our monthly mentor and BT meetings by sharing proven strategies that directly address current instructional needs.
Collaborative Monthly Mentor Meetings
Our mentors “pour into” one another during monthly meetings by exchanging instructional and coaching strategies and providing encouragement. This collaborative environment builds capacity, strengthens morale, and ensures consistent, high-quality support for BTs.
Targeted Professional Development for Beginning Teachers
Beginning Teachers participate in monthly professional development mini sessions focused on classroom management, student engagement, and instructional planning. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools that BTs can immediately apply in their classrooms.
Crestdale Middle
Crestdale Middle
The response to teachers being able to visit each others' classes was initially low, so we researched some ideas and came up with with an approach that support the BEST team with conducting peer observations.
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After reading these 2 books for ideas on how to implement a teacher to teacher walkthrough. We created a "rationale" to share with the leadership team.
The walkthrough form is here: BEST WalkThru Form.
The response has been tremendous! Both the BTs and mentors appreciate the time to observe each other, but the added piece to get specific info back on a question they have about their own practice has been invaluable to them.
Did You Know???
Did You Know???
Beginning Teacher Listserv
Beginning Teacher Listserv
Click here to access information about beginning teachers at your school. Must be a CMS school administrator to access.
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