2012-2013 Teacher Induction

Nurturing Future Leaders of the New Pacific Century at the Hub of East Asia

Teacher Induction Program

Teacher Induction Program

Members Committee Chair Matthew Johnson Committee Lead Teachers Judy Park, April Paulin Committee Contributing Members Sophie Holbrook, Joelle Leger, Michael Maldonado, Shelly Maldonado, Stephen Massiah, Andy Murphy, Scott Paulin, Jillian Stasiak, Tammi Wenzig, Janice Young

Nurturing Future Leaders of the New Pacific Century at the Hub of East Asia

1

Mission Statement: The mission of Asia Pacific International School is “to educate its students to become globally enlightened citizens.” To achieve this result, the teacher induction program is committed to helping new teachers make a successful transition to APIS by providing support and experience gained from a professional relationship with returning APIS teachers. By building an environment of trust, confidentiality, nonjudgmental interactions and mutual respect, we provide the tools needed for our new APIS teachers to experience success in the classroom and in the school community.

General Overview: The goal of the Teacher Induction Program is to assist the new teacher in a successful transition to APIS by relying on the knowledge and experience of returning APIS teachers. At the beginning of the school year, the principal will pair a new teacher with a returning teacher. Together the teachers will follow a plan to support the new teacher in his/her professional development through: weekly meetings and support. The mentor teacher serves as a resource to help the new teacher reach his/her annual individual goals.

Program Standards: Adapted from the US National Board for Professional Teacher Standards.

1. Teachers are Committed to Students and Learning.

2. Teachers Know the Subjects They Teach and How to Teach Those Subjects to Students.

3. Teachers are Responsible for Managing and Monitoring Student Learning.

4. Teachers Think Systematically about Their Practice and Learn from Experience.

5. Teachers are Members of Learning Communities.

Program Goals: 1. To retain quality teachers 2. To facilitate a seamless transition into the profession and/or school 3. To guide professional growth 4. To create a welcoming, nurturing environment for teachers new to the school 5. To improve new teachers’ skills and performance 6. To support teacher morale and communications 7. To create a safe/secure relationship so that the new teacher can discuss areas of concern without fear of reprisal 8. To introduce/socialize new teachers to the staff and community

Mentee Program Orientation: During the first week at Asia Pacific International School, all new teachers will be given a “Teacher Induction” orientation to become familiar with program goals and expectations. In order to make a successful transition into teaching at APIS all new teachers should arrive on campus having read and understood the “Teacher Induction Program” manual.

2

Accountability: The Teacher Induction Program is most effective when teachers work together to maintain a level of mutual respect based on support and accountability. All teachers must meet on a weekly basis throughout the first quarter to discuss: areas of need, materials, resources, successes, difficulties, strategies, etc. All weekly meetings will be recorded and a copy of these notes will be sent to the committee lead teachers.

Here are some important reminders concerning meetings: • Meet weekly, or more often when necessary (i.e. high stress/work times of year) • Regularly scheduled meetings are more effective and show good intentions • Have a focus, goal, and objective for each meeting • Model professionalism • Use your communication/listening/questioning skills • Begin your meetings with a check in of emotions and health • Use previous meeting notes to review where you have been and where you are going • Listen to and help problem solve complaints for a short period of time, but don’t encourage “venting” at each meeting • Try to avoid personal biases • Share professional readings and professional development information • Always end meetings with closure, a review of progress, and your next meeting time • Provide hope, perspective, and encouragement • Document your meeting and share monthly meeting notes with the committee lead teacher

The Teacher as Learner and Leader: The Teacher Induction Program works in conjunction with the school-wide “Teacher as Learner and Leader” program to ensure both student learning and teacher growth. This program not only allows teachers to be reflective of their teaching, but is also intentionally structured to maximize professional conversations of educational best practice, transparency, and accountability. Please refer to the “Teacher as Learner and Leader” program for further information about observations, goal-setting, and data collection, which will be coordinated through area principals.

3

Important Topics to Discuss with your Mentor

_____Curriculum: Curriculum Maps, assessments, texts and support materials _____Software Applications: Power School, Rubicon Atlas, SMART Board, Googledocs _____Classroom management/climate and related resources _____School Discipline Code (faculty and student handbooks) _____Faculty Absence (sick and personal leave forms), preparation for subs _____Faculty duties (lunch, afterschool, etc.) _____Faculty Portal _____Homework policies/procedures/expectations _____Non-instructional time supervision: hallway, bathroom, outside, busses, etc. _____Early release/late arrival, and full day workshops _____Use of copy machine/laminator/etc. _____Dates, timelines, deadlines, certification, course approval/payment _____Resources for teachers _____Dress code (student & faculty) _____Faculty Meetings _____Stress _____Meals/Cafeteria – students and faculty _____Recess/Advisory Time _____Student attendance _____Assemblies _____Field Trips _____Ideas for the first days of school _____Teacher and student daily schedule

4

New Teachers Need‌ Optimal Working Conditions: 1. On-site support, preferably located in close proximity to the new teacher and in the same subject area and/or grade level 2. Time to work with returning teachers 3. Opportunity to network and dialogue with other new teachers 4. Orientation to the school that includes a curriculum overview, planning, location of resources, and orientation to the community including school goals and expectations

Appropriate and Continuing Support: New teachers need consistent support through the induction period. This support should be: 1. Practical and relevant to their needs 2. Conducted with consideration of the other demands placed on their time 3. Tailored to cover the content in sufficient detail to help new teachers develop pedagogical skills, content knowledge, and awareness of student needs 4. Designed to offer opportunities to discuss their own needs and concerns 5. Followed by activities that assist new teachers in using the skills and knowledge in their classrooms

Support from the Entire Faculty: The entire faculty can be involved in supporting new teachers in the following ways: Sharing: Volunteering to: * lesson plans

* observe, listen actively, and provide feedback

* instructional materials

* discuss your teaching area

* classroom materials

* help with routine paperwork

* time management strategies

* listen to any other concerns

* classroom management strategies

* let him/her observe you

* words of encouragement

* teach a lesson together (team teaching)

5

TO PROVIDE SUPPORT IS TO BE. . .

1.

A Role Model Gives examples; provides opportunities for a new teacher to observe professional behavior.

2. A Motivator Helps new teachers to explore ways to involve students in learning.

3. A Communicator Listens carefully and uses new teacher responses to improve learning for students.

4. An Advisor Gives clarification and feedback by providing specific and general answers to questions.

5. A Guide Assists new teacher to set up routines and understand the school organization.

6. A Demonstrator Helps new teacher by demonstrating lessons for teaching specific learning objectives.

7. A Resource Provides appropriate materials and directs new teacher to inschool and community resources.

8. An Assessor

Monitors progress and impact of learning in the classroom.

9. A Friend

Develops a relationship of trust, confidentiality, and support.

10. A Teacher/Coach Provides instruction of specific knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance.

11. A Counselor Is an empathetic listener who assists the mentee in coming up with his/her own solutions.

12. A Supporter Encourages and praises while being realistic when events don’t go as planned.

6

New Teacher Needs Assessment Form Teacher: _________________________ Mentor: _________________________ Indicate your need for assistance in each of the following areas by circling either YES or NO

1. Finding and understanding curricula guidelines and materials

YES

NO

2. Obtaining instructional resources and materials

YES

NO

3. Planning for instruction

YES

NO

4. Classroom organization and management

YES

NO

5. Management of student behavior

YES

NO

6. Effective instructional techniques

YES

NO

7. Monitoring and evaluating student performance

YES

NO

8. Motivating students

YES

NO

9. Dealing with individual student needs, interests, abilities, and problems

YES

NO

10. Understanding expectations of the principal and other staff

YES

NO

11. Effective communication with parents

YES

NO

12. Interpreting school policies, rules, and contract

YES

NO

13. Planning and managing my time and work

YES

NO

14. Communicating with other staff (administrators, teachers, secretaries, custodians, etc.)

YES

NO

15. Professional growth opportunities

YES

NO

16. Understanding the school system’s teacher evaluation process

YES

NO

7

Yearly Goals Sheet

(Teacher Induction Program)

Teacher’s Name: School Year: What are two professional goals you would like to accomplish during the present school year?

1.

2..

What are two personal goals you would like to accomplish during the present school year?

1.

2.

8

Month: _______________________

Contact Log/Meeting Notes

Essence of Discussion Date: Begin time: End time:

Date: Begin time: End time:

Date: Begin time: End time:

Date: Begin time: End time:

Date: Begin time: End time:

_______________________ New Teacher

_______________________ Date

9