Program Activities

The New Teacher Orientation Day, held in August prior to the start of classes, is the first activity of the year. During this day new teachers and their mentors participate in activities preparing them for the start of the new school year. Information about the school district, current curriculum initiatives and assessment programs, the Professional Development Plan, and special education programs is presented by the building principals. Separate group meetings are held for beginning teachers and for mentors to disseminate information about our mentoring program. Feedback from new teachers indicates that this event is both informative and welcoming and really sets a positive tone for the year.

During the course of the school year monthly meetings are held for mentors and interns. Some of these meetings include both groups and others are held separately for each group. At these meetings ideas are shared and concerns expressed. These discussion groups have proven very important in helping both mentors and interns achieve program objectives.

Additionally, mentors and interns are given substantial release time throughout the year to participate in activities during the school day. These include collaborative planning, observations, classroom visitations, curriculum projects, and district and MTIP workshops.

Finally, new teachers are encouraged and supported in their efforts to assimilate into our school community via participation in a wide range of school and community based activities. The impact of such endeavors is an important point of conversation in our group meetings and caution is exercised to insure that new teachers are not overburdened. Hadley-Luzerne Central School has a proud and rich tradition of community and school service; the mentoring process is an important conduit for our future leaders in this area.