The Delta Teacher Support program is a responsive and evolving network of learning aimed at connecting, supporting and developing the capacity of teachers throughout the district, from early career to experienced. The program approaches teacher support routed in reciprocity, recognizing that each teacher starts with strengths to share as well as learning stretches. 

There are six aspects to the Teacher Support Program:
1. On-Site Support
2. Facilitated topic based groups
3. Early Career Teacher supports
4. Resource sharing
5. One to One Support
6. District coordinators

The learning and work of all community participants is supported by Michelle Jones and Dana MacDonald: Coordinators of Teacher Support. It is grounded in the Delta School District’s vision of being “an innovative and inclusive community.” In the ever-changing climate of teaching, the teacher support program reinforces the values of connection, collaboration and engaging professional development so that teachers feel more confident in meeting the diverse needs of their classrooms.

The program has evolved since it began in 2012 in response to the changing dynamics of education and available resources.

Participation in our community is voluntary and non-evaluative.  Any teacher, regardless of experience or years teaching can participate.  Teachers who are interested in supporting their colleagues as either an On-Site Supporter or a Facilitator, are selected through an application process and based on the needs of the Early Career Teachers.

Join us!

There will be many exciting learning and collaboration opportunities for you in 2025-26! You can expect some form of contact every month of the school year.  This contact varies from month to month and might include: team meetings, one-one meet ups, workshops and more!

Through participation in the Early Career Teacher program, you will have access to on-site support and a group of colleagues from across the district.  Your team will be a place to share your success and challenges, to learn about innovative teaching practices and to have your practical questions answered.

Other colleagues will be there to learn with and from you!  They want to hear your stories and experiences and share in laughter and challenges.  They are there to support you.

You will be paired with an on-site colleague and a collaborative group of Early Career Teachers. As a team, you will co-create a group of support that works best for you. This could be centred around grade, subject area or your learning interests. This might entail meeting in person, reaching out through online platforms, or sharing resources.

If you would like to join the Early Career Teacher program, contact Dana MacDonald and/or Michelle Jones at teachersupport@deltaschools.ca and we will get you connected to the On-Site Supporter at your school and get your connected to our network! Also, please fill in the Early Career Teacher survey and sign-up! (2025-2026) so that we can continue to create a program that is responsive to your needs.

An On-site Support teacher is a person who holds space for early career teachers by listening as they process their experiences. They are a safe landing for teachers who are seeking a sounding board, relationship, and compassion. They are an open-minded listener who helps build capacity through encouraging reflection and resilience. At the same time, they are able to listen without needing to offer advice. 

On-site Support teachers will have the opportunity to engage in some professional learning around empathetic listening, reflective questioning, and other aspects of supporting Early Career Teachers.

An ideal On-site Supporter will have:

• at least 3 years teaching experience

• a continuing teaching position

• flexibility for conversations (ie after school check-in, recess or lunch together, group text etc)

• an interest in developing/sharing communication skills

• a demonstrated care and investment in relationships with students and colleagues

• a demonstrated interest in continued professional learning, growth and reflective practice 

Your commitment would be:

• attendance to learning sessions throughout the school year. This would entail one full day with TTOC release and another two learning sessions based on your scheduling needs.

• attendance to the Early Career Teachers Kick-Off (October 20th evening event)

On-site Support teachers selected for this role will start by the end of September (and may pick up where the Welcomer left off). This will continue throughout the school year. If you'd like to support your colleagues in your building, please reach out to Michelle Jones and Dana MacDonald.

A Teacher Facilitator is a person who facilitates teacher learning and discussion based on shared areas of interest. These areas will be teacher generated, and may include topics such as assessment, UDL, resilience, anti-oppressive practices, Indigenous learning, and grade/content specific learning or whatever else meets the needs of the community involved. They are passionate about learning, creating space for diverse voices, and meeting the needs of the learning community. 

Facilitators will have the opportunities to engage professional learning around guiding discussions, maintaining safe spaces, and collaborative goal setting.

An ideal Teacher Facilitator will have:

• at least 3 years teaching experience

• a continuing position

• an interest in developing/ fine-tuning their facilitation skills

• a demonstrated care and investment in relationships with students and colleagues

• a demonstrated interest in continued professional learning, growth and reflective practice 

Your commitment will be:

• attendance to 2 learning sessions throughout the school year. This would entail one full day with TTOC release and another mid year check-in. 

• hosting three collaborations throughout the year. This will look different based the needs of the group (ie could be after school, on Teams, during afternoon pro d, or during collab time)

• Attend the Early Career Teacher Kick-Off in October (Oct 20) - evening event

Teacher Facilitators selected for this role will start in October and will continue throughout the school year. 

If this is a role that you are interested in, please reach out to Michelle Jones and Dana MacDonald.