TSS Newsletter
2015-2016 - Issue 1
TSS General Information
Program of Induction for new DeKalb Educators Monthly Induction Seminars
The PRIDE Monthly Induction Seminars are designed to provide ongoing professional learning for Novice (“0” years of experience) teachers and teachers who are new to DeKalb. The Seminars are aligned to the Georgia Teacher Induction Guidance, support the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System’s (TKES) Teacher Assessment on Performance Standards (TAPS) and the expectations for the District’s Strategic Plan Goals 1 (Student Success with Equity and Access) and 3 (Staff Efficacy and Excellence). Each PRIDE Seminar features an Opening Session, focusing on District expectations and initiatives and Content Breakout Sessions, which focus on effective pedagogical strategies (see the listing of sessions in the PRIDE Content Breakout Sessions overview in this newsletter). Reminders for the PRIDE Monthly Induction Seminars will be sent each month via NewsFlash. The remaining PRIDE dates are:
2015 - 2016 PRIDE Orientation and Induction Resource Guide Online in DCSD 365!
or click the interactive link below and sign into Office 365.
Teacher Support Specialist (TSS) Professional Learning Seminars and Mentoring (Volunteer Hours) Opportunities
Reminder: Opportunities for TSS to gain professional learning and volunteer hours are provided on the second Tuesday of each month (same days as PRIDE) at the Administrative and Instructional Complex (AIC). Volunteer Hours can be gained anytime from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Professional Learning Seminars begin at 4:30 p.m. (see your Mentoring Report and the enclosed overviews for additional information). Registration for the TSS Seminars is via PD Planner. The remaining dates are:
October 13th, November 10th, December 8th, January 17th, February 9th, March 8th, and May 10th
Other opportunities to gain professional learning are listed below.
Veteran TSS Seminars (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) AIC Room M-201
The Veteran TSS Seminars, facilitated by Mrs. Imani Shakur, TSS, are aligned to the standards for the new Teacher Support and Coaching Specialist Endorsement (TSC). Each session provides opportunities to explore the standards as they complete the BRIDE activities and requirements and complete sections for the 2015 – 2016 Mentoring Report to convert to the TSC Endorsement.
Online Teacher Support and Coaching Specialist Online Modules (See Mentoring Report p. 6c)
TSS can earn two (2) professional learning mentoring hours by completing the online mentoring activities listed on p. 6c of the 2015 – 2016 Mentoring Report. Complete the selected mentoring website viewing and activity (ies) and document the implementation of the strategies on copies of p. 6c.
PRIDE Opening and Content Breakout Sessions (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
TSS may attend the PRIDE Opening and Content Breakout Sessions to meet their professional learning requirements for their Mentoring Report. TSS must register for the sessions in PD Planner. The sessions offer an opportunity for TSS to sharpen their content implementation skills in a professional learning community with the new teacher participants in the PRIDE Program. The Opening Session (4:30 p.m. in the AIC Auditorium) provides information on District expectations, initiatives and frameworks. October’s Opening Session will feature Dr. Lynn Angus, Coordinator for English/Language Arts. November’s Opening Session will feature Dr. Lenisera Bodison, K-12 Math Coordinator. Content Breakout Sessions (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) include content and pedagogy strategies for:
□Art □CTAE □Elementary: Pre-K through 5th □ English/Language Arts (MS and HS) □ELL □Health/Physical Ed. □Math □Music □Pre-K □Science (Middle and High School) □ Social Studies □World Languages
Training for Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) Mentors (M-102):
The TSS TAPP Mentor Cohorts (20hrs.) are designed to train veteran to provide mentoring support for teachers in the DeKalb County School District’s TAPP Program. TAPP candidates complete a two-year process of internship toward certification. The current TSS TAPP Mentor Cohort will meet through December 8, 2015. The next TSS TAPP Mentor Cohort will begin in January 2016. For additional information on becoming a TSS TAPP Mentor, please contact Mrs. Norrie Mills, TSS/TAPP Mentor facilitator.
Strategies to Promote Parent and Family Engagement Seminars (DECA Computer Lab)
These monthly seminars are designed to increase awareness of District Regional Parent Centers, Liaisons, online and other sanctioned resources for teachers and parents that enhance communication and support between the school, home, and community. The seminars are facilitated by Ms. Annette Ford, TSS and Family Engagement Facilitator.
Winter TSS/TSC Mini Conference: November 16, 2015 (Begins in the AIC Auditorium)
Mark your calendar now for the Winter TSS/TSC Mini Conference! The Conference will be held on Monday, November 16th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. beginning in the AIC Auditorium. Refreshments will be served from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration is via PD Planner. Bring your 2015 -2016 Mentoring Report with you to the Conference. Sessions will include:
- “Using Fall TKES/TAPS Data to Enhance Mentor and Protégé Professional Learning”
- “Leading with Change”
- “TSS Region Synergy/Networking Sessions”