Stimulate professional learning and growth 

More than 150 first-year teachers are hired each school year in our schools. By providing better supports through professional learning and mentoring, we will reach our goal is of providing all students a supported, well-prepared and effective teacher. In addition, we need to support teachers with the classroom materials required to implement high-impact, engaging instruction for our students. 

As research has shown, teachers continue to grow in their ability to impact student achievement throughout their careers. Therefore, we also need to create strong collaborative environments for teachers, utilizing instructional coaches to facilitate continuous improvement in teaching practice. Hamilton County Schools will elevate professional learning as a core competency and expectation across the district.

Action Steps:

• Launch and implement a New Teacher Academy to support the growth and development of teachers new to the district throughout the first year of their employment.
• Establish and utilize strong professional learning supports, such as instructional coaches, mentors, etc. for teachers across all stages of their career.
• Ensure Professional Development Plans and PD training is structured to match the developmental needs of teachers based on those identified during the year-end summative evaluation process.
• Integrate Project COACH and instructional walk-through tools to reinforce effective teaching strategies and best practices.