Mentoring new teachers

A total of 27 permanent new teachers are participating in the Rainbow District School Board’s New Teacher Induction Program in 2009-2010. Created to help new teachers make a successful transition into the profession, the program pairs new teachers with experienced teachers as mentors throughout the year.

According to director of education Jean Hanson, experienced teachers have a significant role to play in nurturing those who are following in their footsteps.

In addition to mentoring, the Teacher Induction Program includes a series of workshops on topics such as effective planning, classroom management, and organization. They also meet with their mentors throughout the year, for job shadowing, coaching and planning.

The new school year begins one week prior to Labour Day. The first day of school will be on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for all area school boards, including Rainbow District School Board, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario and le Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario. Classes will end 30 minutes earlier on the first day.