New-to-Profession
Embedded Files
Welcome
Welcome to Hays CISD and to the teaching profession. We are delighted that you have chosen to join our school district and look forward to the positive impact you will make on our students and community.
In Hays CISD, all new-to-profession teachers with less than three full years of teaching experience—meaning those who are beginning their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of teaching—who have not yet completed a full year of INSPIRE in Hays CISD are required to join our INSPIRE Program and will be assigned a campus mentor.
This is a year long cohort that provides new to profession teachers with support as they transition into the profession. A strong mentoring program that combines campus-based and district-level support has proven to be the most effective strategy for Hays CISD to reduce attrition and enhance student achievement by ensuring students are served by dedicated, experienced teachers.
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
Mentors Matter
This video highlights just how powerful a mentor teacher can be during a first year of teaching. Mentors provide encouragement, honest feedback, and practical support with planning and classroom challenges. They help new teachers grow in confidence, reflect on their practice, and feel connected instead of alone. At its heart, the message is simple: strong mentorship builds strong teachers — and strong communities.
Read the INSPIRE Handbook!
If you’re new to the profession, the INSPIRE Program Handbook is more than just a guide—it’s your behind-the-scenes look at how your support system works. Inside, you’ll find clear information about the roles of your campus advisor, mentor, and mentee, so everyone knows how to collaborate and communicate effectively. It also outlines program expectations and provides a calendar of important dates to keep you organized and ahead of the game. Taking a few minutes to explore the handbook sets you up with clarity, confidence, and a strong start to a successful year.
New-to-Profession Icon
These courses are either required or recommended for any New to Profession teacher (any teacher with less than 3 full years of teaching experience).
Courses
Courses
Overview of Content Courses & T-TESS CONNECTION
Overview of Content Courses & T-TESS CONNECTION
To better align professional development with instructional growth, we’ve added T-TESS domains to all PD course information.
This update helps teachers easily identify sessions that support their professional goals and evaluation areas. Whether you're looking to strengthen lesson planning, student engagement, or classroom environment, the T-TESS alignment ensures you can make the most of your learning experience.
For a quick overview of required courses identified by T-TESS Domains click on the image to the right.
New to Profession Required Training Summer 2026INSPIRE Day 1
This is a two day academy for all New to Profession Teachers for the 2026-27 school year with less than 3 full years of teaching experience.
Date: August 3
Time: 8:30-3:30
Format: Workshop
Credit Hours: 6
T-Tess Domain: Learning Environment and Professional Practices & Responsibilities
Audience: All New Teachers for the 2026-27 school year with less than 3 full years of teaching experience.
Location: ASC Boardroom
Facilitator: PD Team
Registration: Coming Soon
This is required for all new-to-profession teachers who haven’t already completed a full year of INSPIRE in Hays CISD.
INSPIRE Day 2
This is a two day academy for all New to Profession Teachers for the 2026-27 school year with less than 3 full years of teaching experience.
Date: August 4
Time: 8:30-3:30
Format: Workshop
Credit Hours: 6
T-Tess Domain: Planning & Instruction
Audience: All New Teachers for the 2026-27 school year with less than 3 full years of teaching experience.
Location: ASC Boardroom
Facilitator: PD Team
Registration: Coming Soon
This is required for all new-to-profession teachers who haven’t already completed a full year of INSPIRE in Hays CISD.
T-TESS Initial Training
Date: July 27
Time: 8:30-11:30
Format: Workshop
Credit Hours: 3 Hours
T-TESS Domain: Professional Practices & Responsibilities
Audience: New to Profession Teachers (if you have not completed the training before)
Topics Covered: Participants will review the outline of the T-TESS model and expectations for teacher evaluation.
Location: TBD
Facilitator: C&I and District Staff
Register: Coming Soon
New to Hays CISD PD
Date: August 5
Time: 8:30 - 3:30
Format: Workshop
Credit Hours: 6 hours
T-TESS Domain: Instruction and Professional Practices & Responsibilities
Audience: All New to Hays CISD Teachers
Topic: Participants will engage in sessions to learn about the content resources and instructional software options that are available in Hays CISD.
Lunch will be provided on site during our welcome luncheon.
Location: TBD
Facilitator: C&I and District Staff
Register: Coming Soon
This is required for all new to profession teachers.
Safe Schools
Date: July 7 - December 31
Format: Online course
Credit Hours: Half a Day
T-TESS Domain: Professional Practices & Responsibilities
Audience: All Hays CISD Staff (Returning and New to District)
Topic: Participants will engage in self-paced training modules that focus on safety, security, and professional responsibilities.
Facilitator: Hays HR District Staff
Location: TBD
Register: Coming Soon
Hays CISD District Orientation
Date: TBD
Format: Workshop
Credit Hours: 1
T-TESS Domain: Professional Practices & Responsibilities
Audience: All New to District Hays CISD Staff
Topic: Participants will engage in a presentation to learn about Hays CISD systems and processes at the district and campus level. All district departments will come together to support and welcome our new to district staff.
Facilitator: Hays HR DIstrict Staff
Location: TBD
Register: Coming Soon
Page updated
Report abuse