BEGIN I

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    The BEGIN I Program is designed for teachers hired with 0-1 years of previous teaching experience.  Each teacher is assigned a grade level master teacher Cadre Leader as well as a building-level mentor.  The format of the program includes four days of inservice prior to the teachers’ contract start date.  During the school year, the BEGIN teachers will attend night meetings and one Saturday workshop. The focus of the BEGIN I program is the successful management of students, time, materials, and space. The BEGIN I program stresses the importance of BEGIN teachers spending time with each other which, according to the literature on beginning teachers, is a critical variable in the successful induction of new teachers.  Each scheduled BEGIN meeting includes a minimum of one hour of Cadre time during which teachers of the same grade level spend time problem-solving, sharing ideas, and asking questions with their Cadre Leader.
     

    BEGIN I Teacher Outcomes:

    The BEGIN I teacher will be able to:

       Develop, teach, model, and monitor classroom rules and procedures

       Describe the District’s curriculum documents and requirements

       Explain the District’s assessments, both standardized and district-level

       Implement strategies for dealing with specific student behavior issues

       Plan, conduct, and reflect on parent conferences

       Know and successfully participate in the Teacher Evaluation Process

       Organize the physical classroom in a manner that enhances student learning

       Utilize teaching materials that engage students in hands-on learning

       Discuss problem-solving strategies necessary for daily classroom operations

       Request assistance when needed

       Communicate with challenging parents in a productive manner

       Explain the necessity of balance between their personal and professional lives

       Know and utilize the various District Office departmental services when necessary