MPUSD New Teacher & Mentor Update
January 2019
Rejuvenation Phase
The rejuvenation phase is characterized by a slow rise in the new teacher’s attitude toward teaching. It generally begins in January. Having a winter break makes a tremendous difference for new teachers. It allows them to resume a more normal lifestyle, with plenty of rest, food, exercise, and time for family and friends. This vacation is the first opportunity that new teachers have for organizing materials and planning curriculum. It is a time for them to sort through materials that have accumulated and prepare new ones. This breath of fresh air gives novice teachers a broader perspective with renewed hope. They seem ready to put past problems behind them. A better understanding of the system, an acceptance of the realities of teaching, and a sense of accomplishment help to rejuvenate new teachers.
So how can we support new teachers through this season?
Through their experiences in the first half of the year, beginning teachers gain new coping strategies and skills to prevent, reduce, or manage many problems they are likely to encounter during the second half of the year. Many feel a great sense of relief that they have made it through the first half of the year. During this phase, new teachers focus on curriculum development, long-term planning, and teaching strategies. You can support new teachers in this phase by being there to offer support for curriculum development, long-term planning, and teaching strategies. Setting aside meeting time and coaching cycles specific to curriculum and teaching strategies can help push new teachers in this critical stage.
You can also help new teachers to sign up for various professional development opportunities:
- In the classroom management workshops, we explore many teaching strategies that promote effective strategies for relationships and procedures in the classroom. (See flyer below)
- Spring PLAY Academy options are coming soon, so be on the lookout for many great PD offerings related to curriculum and instruction.
- Support new teachers in connecting with other teachers through social media. Social media is a great place to post lesson ideas and get feedback from others as well as view other people's ideas.
Induction Candidates
- Click here for the CTI resources available for improving supports for English Language Learners.
- Also, we encourage you to look at this site which has resources and videos for integrating ELD in your math classroom.
Induction Reflection Coaches
Thank you for continuing to support your new teacher. Here is a quick “checklist” of coaching responsibilities:
- Average of 1-hour weekly Candidate meetings (confirmation of ILP submission for each inquiry cycle)
- Use the Reflective Coach Guide/Coach Website
- Attend Coach Connections
- NEW Coaches Complete Modules 1-4 under MY PD in CTI eConnect , Returning Coaches Modules 5-6- These are all Self-Paced and coaches should finish before March 1st
- Submit Monthly Coach Logs (1 per candidate per month)
- Understand and use the Coach Dashboard
- Prepare for candidate observations/and provide timely feedback
- Submit Coach Conversations video (for peer feedback)
Intern Candidates
At this point, your Support Provider should be supporting you with weekly coaching meetings. As you are navigating the challenges of your first year of teaching while simultaneously completing coursework to obtain your preliminary credential, remember that your Support Provider is there for you to lean on. If you are feeling like you need extra support, please contact Christie Kieffer at ckieffer@mpusd.net.
All SPED intern candidates should also be meeting for one hour a month with Katie or Heather as well as working with their Support Provider on conducting their first annual and triennial IEP meetings.
Intern Support Providers
Continue to support your intern candidate with weekly one hour meetings. As a reminder, the work of the Intern Support Provider is to provide assistance and coaching for intern teachers.
We will be doing our mid-year check in on January 10th or 16th from 4:00-5:00 at the District Office. Please click here to sign up for a day that works for you. If you have any questions or need any support between now and then, please reach out to Christie Kieffer.
School Site Administrators
As you are continuing to work with new teachers on their goals in their first and second years of teaching, remember that all induction candidates have the ability to choose their own focus for their cycle of inquiry. You can play a pivotal role in helping new teachers identify a topic for a cycle of inquiry that you feel would be a key lever in moving their instructional practice forward. You can find the different cycles of inquiry here.
If you have intern teachers at your site, please remember that their primary focus outside of their assigned classroom duties is their coursework. Please be mindful of having intern teachers take on extra duties. Additionally, please find time to check in with your intern teachers on their coursework and ask them what their needs are for being successful both as a teacher and a student.