Induction Program Mentoring Support for New Staff Director of Teaching & Learning Judy Peasley 364 S. Park Street 527-6736 jpeasley@wwps.org

The WWSD Induction program is designed to support the OSPI New Teacher standards and is aligned with induction program recommendations from current research including Standards for Beginning Teacher Induction Programs from CSTP- Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (OSPI)

WWSD Induction program is for all new to Walla Walla teachers. Stages of the induction program may vary depending on the ‘experience level’ of the newly hired teacher, but orientation and mentoring will be a part of every new to Walla Walla teachers’ induction.

The orientation for newly hired teachers in the Walla Walla School District takes place the week before school begins. The orientation spans 5 days, and balances the delivery of new information and community-building in an inservice setting, with the much needed time in the new teachers’ classroom with their lead teacher and/or mentor, as well as time on their own to prepare for their students.

The majority of newly hired teachers will have already been contacted by their principal, mentor and lead teacher before the orientation week. During orientation week, new teachers will have time with each of these individuals who will play a key role in their first year in WWSD.

The orientation week and the mentoring program are two components of the WWSD Induction program. Also provided are informal and relaxing opportunities for new staff to come together for fun and friendship. Bowling, skiing, wine-tasting, pot-lucks and Friday wind-downs are just a few options for staff new to Walla Walla to join others for some much needed stress relievers.

This is a teacher who teaches the same grade level or subject area whenever possible. This person can help with specific subject matter and grade level questions. These teachers are knowledgeable in grade level curricula, assessments and instructional strategies. This is an assigned teacher to whom the novice teacher can turn to for immediate, yet simple help, such as school procedural questions or for quick advice. The role of the lead teacher is confidential, strictly supportive and non-evaluative.

The lead teacher spends time with the new teacher during orientation week, and in the week prior to the start up of school. The lead teacher receives a stipend for this time of $25.00 per hour * up to 12 hours, and additional hours throughout the year as needed if approved by the personnel office.

This is a teacher with classroom experience, expertise in classroom management and instructional skills, and who can offer support with general ‘1st year survival’ needs. The district induction coordinator acts as the mentor for new elementary staff.

At the secondary level, the building instructional coach will act as the mentor. This person will work closely with the new teacher, the lead teacher, and the district /building staff to support the new teachers. The role of the mentor is confidential, strictly supportive and non-evaluative.

The mentor contacts the new teacher prior to orientation week, with the intention of helping with the transition to a new community and new school. The time spent with a new teacher is part of the mentor’s role. Time spent with the new teacher outside of the regular contract will be arranged with the district induction coordinator.

Another component to the induction program are the Hot Topic Seminars. To support each teachers’ individual needs, there will be regular hot topic seminars that are hosted by the induction coordinator, mentors/instructional coaches, lead teachers, principals and/or a variety of other individuals who can address the needs of the newly hired staff.

Topics for these seminars will be suggested by the newly hired staff and/or those assisting in the mentor program. New teachers will take advantage of these seminars as desired. These seminars are also a great source of camaraderie for new teachers and/or individuals new to the area.

New teachers are assured confidentiality with their mentor/coach, lead teacher and district induction coordinators. Each of these staff members has received training in the area of confidentiality. In Walla Walla, new teachers should feel empowered to seek help, and to know that they will be supported by the person they sought out, and that further support will be initiated by the new teacher themselves, or with their approval.

Principals play a key role in connecting their new teachers with additional support as the need arises. Although WWSD has staff in place to support and assist the new teacher, the principal will advocate for the new teacher as needed.

New teachers in Walla Walla Schools will find themselves well prepared for their pro-certification program, and supported through that experience. New teachers are encouraged to begin their pro-certification program no sooner than their 3rd year of teaching. When the time arrives, WWSD teachers are connected with a liaison who works with the school district and the college program to make the pro-cert experience as valuable and relevant as possible.