School’s a learning experience for teachers, too

School Prep

Denell Scott knows on the first day of school, she’ll have to calm jitters - her kindergarteners’ nerves and her own.

There are some things she’s prepared for, such as using a lot of hand sanitizer and sharpening a lot of pencils. But Scott, a recent Southern Illinois University at Carbondale grad, is ready to pick up plenty of knowledge along the way.

She’s ready for her first day of teaching kindergarten at Glen Oak Primary School, though she’s not sure what’s in store.

“Teaching at a new school in a new environment, surrounded by 25 5-year-olds - I don’t know what to expect,” she said.

Scott was in good company on Wednesday, surrounded by roughly 100 teachers new to District 150 who gathered at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center for a three-day orientation program.

From filling out paperwork to sharing discipline methods, the few days of discussion give first-year and second-year teachers a grasp on the upcoming school year. The orientation is part of a larger project, the yearlong induction program, aimed at retaining the district’s staff members.

“We want to support the teachers and give them the tools they need for success,” said Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Sanfilip, who heads the induction program.

“There are a lot of challenges teachers face now that we didn’t face 20 years ago,” added Lana Myers, a math teacher at Sterling Middle School and secretary for the Peoria Federation of Teachers. “This program is important more now than ever before.”


Myers recalled her first day of teaching. The principal handed her keys and teaching manual and wished her good luck. New teachers need more support than that, she said.

Today is the third and last day of orientation, which ranges from union membership and insurance information to classroom management and lesson planning tips.

But more importantly, the orientation sessions are a way for the district to reach out to new teachers and support them beginning before the first day of school, Sanfilip said.

For Sonya Pacey, a second acquerir cialis-year second grade teacher at Franklin-Edison Primary School, it’s a way to let teachers know they’re “in it together.”

“It gives us the opportunity cialis to become familiar with District 150’s culture and the vision of its leaders and community,” she said. “As a new teacher, you’re anxious and excited, but you know you’re OK because you have a support system.”

The district’s state-approved induction program, which launched just before the 2005 school year, includes professional development opportunities throughout the school year. The program also helps new teachers fulfill their teaching certificate requirements as well as offering a way to boost them up the pay scale.

No linga

New teachers also are paired with experienced mentors who are familiar with the district and guide them through their first two years of teaching.

In just a year, Pacey has already learned lessons she will apply beginning with next Wednesday, the first day of school.

“Start each day brand new, and keep your sense of humor,” she said.

 

Erin Wood can be reached at 686-3194 or ewood@pjstar.com.


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