Broadalbin-Perth welcomes new teachers to the district

Every year, new teachers at Broadalbin-Perth are partnered with a veteran teacher who serves as their mentor for their first year in the district. Recently, B-P's newest teachers attended two days of training with their mentors, where they learned about the district's expectations, how to use available resources, and heard from key district office staff and leaders from the Broadalbin-Perth Teachers' Association.

"Our mentoring program helps guide new teachers in understanding the curriculum, create a community in their classrooms, and provide on-site support for them during their first year at B-P," said Meg Marsden, B-P's mentor coordinator. "A mentor is like a tour guide to show you around, point out possible plans, and help new teachers get to where they want to go."

B-P's mentoring program is designed to support and guide new teachers through their transition into their new roles. Mentors help provide on-site support, improve the new teachers' knowledge and skills, and help foster a professional learning community. They also provide more practical guidance, such as setting up physical and digital classrooms and establishing expectations and routines for students.

Throughout the school year, mentors and mentees will meet once a month together as a group. Mentors will also be available on an individual basis to support and guide the new teachers to help them have a successful first year.

New teachers will end the school year with a pinning ceremony to celebrate the completion of their first year within the district.