Topeka Public Schools Teaching and Learning

Educators in the Year 1 Program

• Instructional Coach will observe each first-year teacher a minimum of once per quarter using the coaching cycle (pre-conference, observation, post-conference)
• Instructional Coach and mentor will assist the first-year educator in setting up an inhouse and outgoing observation based on individual needs or goals, provide a pre-conference and post-conference with "look fors" established before the observation during the second semester
• All first-year educators will make a video recording of themselves teaching a lesson and engage in a reflective conversation or write a reflection of their instructional practices each semester.  Recorded lessons are for internal use only, unless the teacher approves external use and media releases are signed
• There will be articles and videos with online discussions. There will be an opportunity to have "Twitter Chats" 
• Professional Learning Seminars (building or district) will be held throughout the year on topics based on the results of the needs assessments during Friday Late Start times or after the duty day.
• Teachers will receive daily informal "buddy" support from grade level/content PLC teams.