PCSD Pulse Podcast- Teacher Mentoring 2024- With Host Rick Surrency and guest Kristin Carrol

Summary

In the 'Pulse' podcast, host Rick Cy interviews three guests from Putnam County School District about their new teacher mentoring program. The program, now a model for other districts, provides dedicated mentors for new teachers, focusing on classroom management and support without evaluation. It has significantly increased teacher retention rates to 90% or higher. The discussion highlights the program's impact, with new teachers sharing their positive experiences and the district's commitment to teacher growth and support.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast 'The Pulse' hosted by Rick Cy, superintendent of Putnam County School District, focuses on issues and ideas shaping the future of education.
• 👨‍🏫 The district has a New Teacher Mentoring Program that has been running for six or seven years and serves as a model for other districts.
• 👩‍💼 Kristen Carroll, an administrator in human resources, discusses her role in supporting new teachers and the importance of the mentoring program.
• 🏫 The mentoring program is designed for teachers with zero to five years of experience and is tiered based on their needs.
• 🤝 The mentors provide non-evaluative support, focusing on classroom management, behavior management, and helping teachers meet state requirements.
• 📈 The district has seen a significant increase in teacher retention rates, from 67% to over 90%, attributed to the mentoring program.
• 💼 Mr. Parish, a new teacher, shares his positive experience with the program, highlighting the practical advice and support he received.
• 📚 Lisha Rayburn, a fifth-grade reading teacher, discusses her journey with the district and the impact of mentors on her professional development.
• 🌟 The podcast emphasizes the district's commitment to supporting teachers at all stages of their careers, not just new hires.
• 🔍 The district is open to alternative pathways to teaching and provides support for those transitioning into teaching from other fields.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the podcast 'The Pulse'?

The podcast 'The Pulse' focuses on issues and ideas shaping the future of education, featuring discussions with teachers, administrators, and other experts in the field about the latest trends, best practices, and pressing concerns in education.

How long has the Putnam County School District's teacher mentoring program been in place?

The teacher mentoring program in Putnam County School District has been in place for six or seven years.

What is the primary role of the district-level mentors in the mentoring program?

The district-level mentors in the mentoring program work solely with new teachers, providing support and guidance based on the teachers' needs, which can range from classroom management to moving to a professional certificate.

How does the mentoring program benefit new teachers with prior teaching experience?

Even new teachers with prior experience benefit from the mentoring program as it helps them adapt to the specific requirements and systems of the Putnam County School District.

What is the retention rate of new teachers in the Putnam County School District?

The retention rate of new teachers in the Putnam County School District has been at 90% or higher for the last five years.

How does the mentoring program support teachers who are on a temporary certificate?

The mentoring program supports teachers on a temporary certificate by assisting them with the state-required tasks to move to a professional certificate, including classroom management and other necessary skills.

What is the role of instructional coaches in the Putnam County School District?

Instructional coaches in the Putnam County School District provide additional support to teachers alongside the mentoring program, focusing on instructional improvement and other aspects of teaching.

Why is the mentoring program considered an investment by the Putnam County School District?

The mentoring program is considered an investment because it helps retain teachers, reducing the costs associated with hiring replacements, and contributes to a stable and effective teaching force.

How does the mentoring program cater to teachers from different backgrounds, such as those from alternative pathways to teaching?

The mentoring program supports teachers from alternative pathways by providing guidance on certification processes, adapting to the school system, and developing necessary teaching skills.

What are the future plans for the mentoring program according to Kristen Carroll?

Kristen Carroll sees the mentoring program growing and evolving, with an expectation of an increased retention rate and the potential to draw more people into the Putnam County School District.

What advice do the new teachers, Mr. Parish and Ms. Rayburn, have for potential applicants to the Putnam County School District?

Mr. Parish and Ms. Rayburn advise potential applicants to join the Putnam County School District, highlighting the supportive community and the valuable mentoring program available to new teachers.