Beginning Teacher Institute

Embracing the Complexity of Teaching & Instructional Leadership

Independent Education is pleased to announce that Abigail Wiebenson, former Head of Lowell School for nearly two decades and certified leadership coach, will return as the Leader of its Institute for Beginning Teachers and Mentors (BTI).

The Institute is designed to provide new teachers — those just entering the field as well as those new to independent schools — with strategies, tools and support to meet the challenges of their new careers.  During four full-day sessions, participants learn about classroom management, instructional techniques, inclusion, best practice for communicating with students, parents and colleagues, and technology tools. This comprehensive syllabus includes three course texts — Mindset by Carol Dweck, Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lamov, and Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.

There is also a key role in the BTI for mentors — master teachers to whom beginning teachers do not report directly in their schools.  Mentors will attend the full days of the October and April sessions and the mornings of the December and February sessions.

Both beginning teachers and mentors will benefit significantly from learning new teaching techniques and acquiring coaching and leadership skills that create substantive and supportive partnerships throughout the school year.

VALUE OF MENTORING

Research illustrates that quality mentoring significantly increases the satisfaction and retention rate for both beginning and seasoned, mentor teachers.

Compiled below are several reports that highlight the value of mentoring for teacher development and student achievement:

• Mentoring Practices to Keep Teachers in School by Michele A. Parker
• Connecting Mentoring to Student Achievement in Alaska: Results and Policy Implications by Barbara L. Adams
• Teachers are the Center of Education: Mentoring, Teaching and Improving Student Learning by College Board, in collaboration with the New Teacher Center and Phi Delta Kappa

GOALS FOR 2011-2012 BEGINNING TEACHER INSTITUTE

• Develop a personal toolbox of applicable techniques for planning and delivering effective instruction
• Maximize time and energy for managing a demanding classroom schedule and school culture
• Acquire technology tools that enable teachers, mentors and their students to organize and retrieve classroom data and information around planning, prioritizing, assessment and communication
• Learn and practice leadership coaching tools that benefit personal, student, colleague, and parent communication
• Create a supportive, sustaining coaching beginning teacher/mentor relationship

REGISTRATION

The registration fee is $990 per beginning teacher/mentor pair.  This includes four days of instruction, all meals, and course texts and materials.

Registration is limited to 35 Beginning Teacher/Mentor pairs.

To register, please click here or go to "Our Events" and select Institute for Beginning Teachers and Mentors from the list of programs and events.