Page 21 - Teacher Selection and Onboarding Guide

APPENDIX 5 – SETTING THE STAGE FOR NEW TEACHERS’ SUCCESS
CHECKLIST

The first few years of a new teacher’s career are critical and can determine their ultimate
success. Schools can implement key strategies to assist new teachers during their first two
years. Principal and school support that is planned and strategically provided can have a
powerful and immediate impact on the day-to-day confidence and development of our new
teachers.

The following are examples of successful New Teacher Support strategies that have been
implemented at SDPBC schools in the past, and have been recommended by some of our own
principals. Please consider using the following checklist to ensure you are setting the stage for
your new teacher’s success.

❏ Introduction and Meeting
Plan orientation sessions for new teachers covering school-specific information such as
school schedules, how to access all school resources, key support staff, lunch schedules,
library procedures, technology access, etc.

❏ Pair New Teachers with an Experienced Instructional Team Member
Identify an experienced staff member who can serve as an onsite mentor so new teachers
know who to contact on day one with questions or requests for assistance. NBC Teachers
are a great option as they can focus their commitment of 92 hours of service per year to
help new teachers.

❏ Periodic Meetings
Meetings can be organized by experienced onsite staff members and leaders to cover
relevant topics (e.g., instructional goals, Common Core State Standards) to impact the
opportunity for success and decrease stress levels for new teachers.

❏ Ensure that New Teachers’ Classrooms Are Strategically Supplied
Principals should ensure that adequate resources and supplies are available for all new
teachers on day one. Items such as textbooks, computers, printers, writing supplies, etc.,
that are necessary to provide quality instruction should be present in all new teacher
classrooms.

❏ Release New Teachers to Observe Exemplary Teachers
Provide opportunities for new teachers to observe exemplary teachers in action to see and
adopt effective instructional strategies. In secondary settings, new teachers can observe
during their conference and/or planning period.

Appendix Page 6