A great place to teach First-year mentoring and a spirit of professional collaboration create communities in our schools that nurture new teachers. Teachers new to the school division attend an orientation that provides valuable information about the school, curriculum and expectations for discipline. Our mentoring programs range from a structured approach that looks at all phases of classroom practice to more informal school-based programs that support teachers through their first year. Special education teachers are paired with a peer partner who assists them with legal and procedural aspects of the job.
Teachers have many opportunities to influence the practices in schools and throughout the district.
They serve on committees and school improvement teams, which set goals for the school and determine ways to achieve them. Teachers can also be important members of the staff development council, which defines the need for professional development and coordinates workshops. Not only does Newport News offer a superior staff development program that helps all teachers continue their own learning, but we also encourage teachers to share their best practices. Our goal is for teachers to become leaders who work together and who are committed to their own learning. We are proud of our outstanding, award-winning staff and provide every opportunity for them to share their skills and expertise.