Richard: Teacher Induction — Family Style

As a new teacher to Henry County Schools, you must go through a week-long teacher induction program (TIP). If you talk with veteran teachers, you are warned of the stereotypical monotone presenters (think Charlie Brown’s mom) spouting endlessly about policy and procedure.

Luckily, my TIP experience was the complete opposite. It made me feel as though I am a new member of a family that is excited to have me there and will support me throughout my first year and career within the education system.

As I got out of the car Monday morning, my stomach was turning and my mind steadfastly preparing for three days of boredom. However, by the time I reached the front door I couldn’t believe where I was. Administrators from the central office and school leadership were outside and within the lobby of the auditorium, greeting us with smiles, taking time to have conversations with us, and providing a welcome unlike any other. Within an hour, district officials had us laughing and even singing a song about how excited we were to be in Henry County Schools!

We inductees enjoyed numerous presentations that will undoubtedly help me this first year. Divided by grade levels and subjects, we were able to get the best information from the best people for our specific student population — to become the best teachers possible. Throughout the week, I was able to discuss classroom behavior, teaching strategies, and more with the veteran presenters as well as my fellow new hires. That really helped build my confidence for the ever-approaching first day of school on Aug. 1.

For the last day of TIP, new hires go to their new schools for a school-based orientation and some classroom prep time. Because I worked at my school last year as a paraeducator, most of the welcome was redundant. However, I was again awed by the amount of care and support my school administration provided the new teachers. We often hear about how teachers are unprepared, dumped into classrooms with an employee handbook, a dry-erase marker, a class set of textbooks, and a smile. However, Henry County took the time to explain curriculum maps, identify county resources, and offer contacts and other means for additional support to really ensure teacher success as much as student success.

I left TIP with the feeling I imagine a new Marine has after graduating from boot camp. I am proud to be a teacher within my school and district. I feel well prepared and armed with the best tools my system can provide for me to support my students. I feel like a brother of my fellow teachers and a guardian of my students, rather than an employee number who must raise the test scores of a collection of student ID numbers.

Our superintendent challenged us to take Henry County Schools from good to great, and after TIP I feel as though my new family will be able to reach a level even above greatness!

Comments

[gladyslaj99]

You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found that most people will agree with you.
George Marchelos

[Ashley]

I am very happy for you that your TIP experience was great! My first week of school as a student teacher was overwhelming with training for returning teachers. There was a week for new teachers but since my teacher had been there for many years, I went with her to the workshop week. There was a new curriculum for math that year which could have been explained more thoroughly than an hour on one day. Teaching math was the first subject I took over and my teacher didn't know how to help me with preparation, materials, and helpful hints because she was unfamiliar with the new curriculum.

Besides the math curriculum, I have felt welcome within the special education staff and slowly the general education staff. Sometimes it is hard to get the bad stigma out of people's heads about special education for both teachers and students.

Hopefully when I am hired in a district, the TIP will be a great experience like yours!

[Morgan]

I'm happy to hear that your TIP experience went so well. I am getting ready to student teach in a few months, and it is really encouraging to hear positive stories like yours from new teachers. I hope I can also have such a positive experience being welcomed into a school when I am student teaching and when I get my first teaching job. Thank you for sharing!

[Richard Williams]

Hi Steve, I think the top questions we had, were regarding our grading software (Infinite Campus),what resources we had at our disposal in our classroom and within the school, and subject specific concerns. I hope that helps!

[Cindy Kolarik]

I am a new special teacher as well and I am terrified! I go on Aug 11th for first day training. New school, new job andI couldnt be more jealous of your experience. I hope mine goes as well as yours did.

[Steve]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am setting up a four day induction program for new special education teachers in California. What do you think were the top 2-3 questions or concerns?
Steve

[Jessica]

Sounds like the TIP was a very positive experience. I hope it paid off and your first week has gone/is going well!