It s just so nice to hear veteran teachers talk about how they handled things. Pairing new teachers with veterans in their buildings became a requirement in New Jersey in 1994 to provide newcomers with mentors. Those mentors have helped tremendously, say the new teachers, but they don t take the place of the seminars. Cram began teaching after her children were in school. The phone line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the school year.
Teachers give a description of the problem and leave a number where they can be reached.
Usually within 24 hours, BTIC Manager Esther DeEugenio has put the teacher in touch with a veteran in the field or grade level for the two to discuss a solution. Besides the stress that comes from being the new kid on the block, new teachers face challenges in working with parents. I was nervous about the idea of meeting with them in conferences. BTIC s seminar on effective parent conferences provided valuable preparation. Following the seminar, her confidence soared.