The North Carolina State School Board of Education requires each school system to develop and provide a Beginning Teacher Support Program plan (NCDPI, 2002) for the support and assessment of teachers during their first three years of service. Implementing the state-mandated plan is a challenge to small rural school systems without adequate resources.
The Center for the Support of Beginning Teachers collaborates with Beginning Teacher Coordinators in our region to provide a comprehensive formalized program of support for new teachers, mentors, and school executives. Induction activities include support, practice, feedback, and evaluation jointly delivered by school systems and university. Program components consist of:
- WCU Beginning Teacher Induction Symposium
- Face-to-face meetings complemented and enhanced by an online support program
- Onsite support for beginning teachers in challenging situations
- Ongoing professional development for mentors
- Opportunities for assistant principals/principals to focus on their role in new teacher development
- Annual online surveys of beginning teachers, mentors, and principals
If you are a beginning teacher coordinator and would like additional information, please contact Janice Holt.