Induction

Accelerating beginning teacher effectiveness to increase student achievement by providing high quality data-driven, instructionally focused support.

“Teachers are not “finished products” when they complete a teacher preparation program. Strong residency and mentored induction experiences during their initial years in the classroom provide beginning teachers with invaluable support as they lay the groundwork to become accomplished teachers. A well-planned, systematic induction program for new teachers is vital to maximize their chances of being successful in any school setting…” - No Dream Denied; National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future; Washington, DC, January 2003

Download the Beginning Teacher Induction Program Standards.

Iduction Coach Training

“My induction coach has played a crucial role in my development as a first year teacher, and I know that on top of my own extensive training, she has played an integral role in my development as an effective leader in my classroom…. I believe that every first year teacher should be granted an opportunity to work alongside an Induction Coach. I never once felt as though I was being evaluated, and always felt as though I was being offered support as well as insight into my own practice.”

- From A RI Beginning Teacher surveyed in March 2012

Induction Coach Professional Development

Induction Coaches receive two types of training each year. The first is through the Induction Coach Academies which are held 4 times per year for 3 days each. During the Academies, Induction Coaches learn how to use the wide variety of Formative Assessment System tools designed by New Teacher Center as well as how to navigate the complicated work of being and Induction Coach. New Teacher Center provides the training, which will be gradually shifted over to the RIDE Induction Team.

The second type of training happens at bi-weekly Induction Coach Forums. The first half of the Forum is dedicated to problem solving and handling issues in the field in a timely manner. The second half of the Forum is dedicated to providing training and professional development in Rhode Island specific initiatives to meet the needs of the coaches and their beginning teachers.

Induction Coach Supports

Induction Coaches are assigned coaching partners. They are required to meet with their coaching partner once each month. During these meetings, they observe each other, collect data, provide support on coaching strategies, and work on professional goals.

An online Google Group is used for Induction Coaches to connect with each other on a regular basis. The online group is a source of support since they can post issues and receive suggestions and resources in a protected environment. This format allows coaches to network and receive immediate support.

Full Release – Induction Coaches Application Form [PDF, 154KB]

New Teacher Center Logo

Who is New Teacher Center (NTC)?

RIDE has contracted with New Teacher Center (NTC) using Race to the Top funding. NTC is a leader in Induction and have many years of data and research that supports their model of Induction. NTC has worked with RIDE to develop the RI Beginning Teacher Induction Program as well as to provide training to Induction Coaches. More information about this non-profit organization and their research on supporting new teachers can be found at www.newteachercenter.org.

“For all of the benefits beginning teachers, schools, students, and others receive from our work, coaches derive huge benefit from the work we are doing. Not only can we see the changes and improvements we make in others’ lives, but this work has greatly improved my professional growth as an educator. I have so many ideas to share and implement with students and colleagues that are tested and proven to work in the classroom that I did not have before.”

- From an Induction Coach surveyed in March 2011

Newsletters

Resources

References

  • Achinstein, B. & Athenases, S.(2006). Mentors in the making: Developing new leaders for new teachers. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
  • Alliance for Excellent Education. (2004). Tapping the potential: Retaining and developing high-quality new teacher. Retrieved from Tapping the Potential [PDF]
  • Breaux, A. & Wong, H. (2003). New teacher induction: How to train, support, and retain new teachers. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
  • Heller, D. (2004). Teachers wanted: Attracting and retaining good teachers. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
  • Moir, E., Barlin, D., Gless, J. & Miles, J. (2009). New teacher mentoring: Hopes and promise for improving teacher effectiveness. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.

Sustainability

Download the Induction Program Overview Document [PDF, 216KB].