New Teacher Academy and the New Teacher Mentorship Programs

In an effort to better acclimate new staff members to the responsibilities and opportunities associated with our district’s mission, the Gardner Edgerton School District has designed two professional development programs for all new certified staff members.

The Annual New Teacher Academy

The aim of this induction program is to provide all new staff members with the support, information, and guidance they will need to be comfortable and successful in their new role/position.  The program has been designed collaboratively and includes specific contributions/presentations from each district level department.  Topics for discussion include: “best practice” instructional strategies, professional expectations, strategies for starting the school year successfully, school accreditation, curriculum design and access, student assessment, special education services, district finance procedures and a review of the district’s benefits program.  In addition to the professional presentations and group discussions that occur, each new teacher also receives a District Resource Guide to assist them throughout the year. 

New Teacher Mentoring Program

The district’s mentoring program is well established in each school and provides an individual mentor for all new staff members.  The mentorship program begins with a general, building-level, orientation process and transitions to more specific activities/discussions aimed at assisting new staff members with increasing knowledge on building policies and procedures, instructional strategies, establishing professional development goals, mastering building technology systems and building positive relationships with other colleagues.  The mentorship program is a year-long process and provides valuable information and feedback for all new staff members.