Board hosts New Teacher Induction Program

Experienced teachers serve as mentors for new teachers

Jean Hanson, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board, welcomes new teachers, clockwise, Karen Passi of Sudbury Secondary School, Whitney Meier of Central Manitoulin Public School, and Josh Brohart of Confederation Secondary School.

A total of 27 permanent new teachers are participating in the Rainbow District School Board’s New Teacher Induction Program in 2009-2010. Created to help new teachers make a successful transition into the profession, the program pairs new teachers with experienced teachers as mentors throughout the year.

“The single most important factor in student success is the quality of teaching,” said Board Chair Judy Hunda. “We are committed to helping new teachers develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes required for effective teaching and learning in Rainbow Schools.”

According to Director of Education Jean Hanson, experienced teachers have a significant role to play in nurturing those who are following in their footsteps. “As mentors, our experienced teachers are invaluable resources and they appreciate the opportunity to share their wisdom with the new generation of teachers,” she said.

In addition to mentoring, the Teacher Induction Program includes a series of workshops on topics such as effective planning, classroom management, and organization. New teachers receive a binder with resource information. They also meet with their mentors throughout the year, for job shadowing, coaching and planning.

The new school year begins one week prior to Labour Day. The first day of school will be on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 for all area school boards, including Rainbow District School Board, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario and le Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario. Classes will end 30 minutes earlier on the first day.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.