Mentoring & Induction
The Westwood Public Schools provide a three-year mentor and induction program for new teachers. The program is designed to introduce new teachers to the culture of the schools, provide information about the professional assignment, and to provide continuous, non-evaluative collegial support throughout the first three years in the district.
New teachers receive curriculum support at the grade level and/or in the subject area during the summer prior to the first year. Curriculum and Instruction Coaches and Department Heads work with new teachers to introduce curriculum standards and materials, and to assist in lesson planning for the start of the school year.
Prior to the first day of school, new teachers meet with district and building administrators. District administrators provide the district overview, a bus tour of the town and a courtyard ice cream social. Building administrators help acclimate new teachers to the building, provide information necessary for a successful first day, first week and beyond, and introduce new teachers to their colleagues.
During the first three years as a Westwood professional, teachers are supported by a one-on-one mentor. Mentors are trained and experienced colleagues who provide non-evaluative, confidential support for new teachers. Mentors provide support, encouragement and guidance to teachers new to the district. New teachers are required to log their mentoring hours as a requirement for the professional license.
At Westwood High School and Thurston Middle School, the Mentor Program is complemented by a New Teachers' Program that provides workshops throughout the year (including preparation for upcoming events such as curriculum night and parent conferences) and visits to the classrooms of experienced teachers. New Teacher Program Coordinators also observe new teachers in the classroom and provide non-evaluative coaching and support.
At the elementary schools, Mentor Teacher Leaders provide workshops at a number of times throughout the year. These workshops prepare new teachers for upcoming events such as curriculum night, report cards, parent conferences and end-of-year activities.
In addition to the support by a mentor throughout their first three years in Westwood, teachers have many additional opportunities to grow professionally. New teachers observe experienced colleagues in the classroom and are observed by mentors and peers. Teachers participate in collaborative teams to develop lesson plans and assessments and to plan instruction based on students’ needs. Teachers have opportunities to enroll in after-school and summer professional development workshops and courses.
The Westwood Public Schools are committed to hiring, developing and retaining effective teachers. Induction and mentoring are key elements for the development and retention of a strong teaching staff. Whether new to the profession or just new to the position, teachers will be supported by mentors, colleagues and administrators when they join the staff of the Westwood Public Schools.