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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SANTA CRUZ NEW TEACHER PROJECT (SCNTP)
Questions from Beginning Teacher Advisors:
How often will I see my beginning teachers? Advisors will be working with each of their beginning teachers every week for one to two hours. One of the responsibilities of the advisors is to schedule time with each of their beginning teachers every week.
What types of things will I be doing when I work with my beginning teachers? Advisors will engage in a variety of activities with their beginning teachers such as observing lessons, assisting with lesson planning, meeting informally with beginning teachers, modeling lessons, and helping to create professional growth plans.
Will I serve as an evaluator for my beginning teachers? No. Advisors will not serve as evaluators. Their role is one of collegial support to help beginning teachers improve their teaching practices. The advisor role is to provide formative assessment for beginning teachers as opposed to conducting formal evaluations.
Will I be required to attend seminars, workshops, and other events in my school district? Advisors should attend as many district trainings as possible in order to be kept abreast of new information and adopted programs. Advisors can attend with their beginning teachers when appropriate in order to facilitate learning for them.
Will I receive recertification points during my two-year term as an advisor? Yes. Advisors will receive points as any other teacher would by attending workshops, trainings, etc. in their own district. Mentor Academy trainings, as well as serving as an advisor, may also be granted points by individual districts. Advisors or advisory teams must submit proposed recertification forms within their districts in order to receive points for these activities.
What are the advantages of being a part of the SCNTP?
The SCNTP has
achieved outstanding results in the retention of new teachers as
well as in the development of teacher leaders. Advisors receive
ongoing training throughout the two years of their term. When the
advisors return to the classroom, they are rejuvenated and often
become leaders within their school and/or district. In addition to
a renewed excitement and passion for teaching, advisors acquire a
broader perspective on education, sharpened communication and
leadership skills, and new strategies learned from other teachers in
their own district as well as neighboring districts in the region.
(Please refer to the Comparison Chart enclosed in this packet.) |