The Educator Induction and Development Team supports educators through mentoring and induction, teacher leadership, and classroom management systems and structures learning opportunities.
Classroom management systems and structures courses offer educators an opportunity to reflect on their current classroom practices and explore strategies to enhance student engagement and build positive relationships. Through collaborative discussions and goal setting, participants will examine key elements such as classroom setup, consistent routines and procedures, interpreting student behavior as a form of communication, and developing greater self-awareness to better understand and support their students. The experience emphasizes the importance of clarity, consistency, and intentional planning in creating a productive and supportive learning environment.
Teacher leadership learning sessions provide a variety of professional learning opportunities to support teachers in developing their leadership skills at different stages of their careers. These experiences range from cohort-based programs to virtual book studies, each designed to foster growth in areas such as communication, collaboration, and leadership capacity. Whether educators are early in their careers or more experienced, these offerings provide meaningful ways to expand their influence and contribute positively to their school communities.
Mentoring and induction support help our new educators thrive after joining our school division. Additional information on our mentoring and induction program is below.
Experienced Educators who are transferring to PWCS should meet with the school's Lead Mentor to be provided with proactive support while adjusting to the division. You might be matched with an informal mentor, depending on your needs.
Educators who are teaching for the first full year will be matched with school-based teacher-mentors (formal mentors), as that is a requirement from the Virginia Department of Education.
Novice educators take part in a year-long, systematic induction and professional learning program that includes:
The Professional Learning Department supports schools by establishing a collaborative mentoring framework by providing training for lead mentors, mentors, and Educator Support Teams (ESTs). Additionally, we provide training and resources for school-based Educator Support Sessions (ESS). Team members also facilitate Mentor Program data collection and monitor overall system implementation.
A school's EST is comprised of the lead mentor and other faculty members. Oftentimes, the EST is part of the school's Leadership Team. The EST coordinates the mentor program at the building level. Each EST meets as needed and uses various data sources in addition to the Educator Support Session (ESS) curriculum to determine the focus and content of the school's Educator Support Sessions.
ESSs are responsive to the needs of novice teachers and new educators in each building. Each school's ESSs take place as specified by the school's EST and focus on specific content and/or group problem-solving. The Professional Learning Department, in conjunction with stakeholder feedback and support, provides the ESS curriculum and supporting media.
Individual mentoring is the backbone of the PWCS Mentor Program. Every zero-experienced teacher is matched with a mentor to provide guidance and non-evaluative support in response to each new teacher's needs as required under the Virginia Code (§ 22.1-305.1). Mentors receive training through the PWCS Formal Mentoring program.
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