New teachers often face overwhelming demands, such as long hours, limited resources, and challenging student behaviors. Without sufficient support and mentorship, they may feel isolated and ill-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students. Here are strategies to help leaders foster the retention and professional growth of new teachers:
Supportive Campus Systems
School principals are crucial in creating a supportive environment for new teachers. They can provide the necessary support by implementing systems that prioritize coaching, mentorship, PLCs, professional development, and work-life balance. Principals must be sure to allocate resources for instructional coaching, classroom supplies, and technology tools to enhance the teaching and learning of new teachers.
Mentorship
Assigning each novice educator a mentor teacher is critical. A mentor can offer guidance, constructive feedback, and support throughout the first year. Ideally, the mentor should teach the same grade and content area. If the new teacher is the only one for their grade and subject, consider arranging collaborative time with teachers from another campus for support and lesson planning. The new teacher could also benefit from practical guidance, model lessons, and opportunities to observe this experienced educator in action. The principal should help schedule mentor meetings, initially weekly and then transitioning to bi-monthly or monthly, to allow for ongoing feedback and reflection to refine the teaching practice and build the new teacher’s confidence. Consistency is key.
Coaching
Coaching is one of the best ways to support new teachers. This can start with a preconference to set goals with clear steps to reach them. This support can be an observation, a reflective conversation around instruction, modeling, co-teaching, or co-planning focused on the teacher’s growth and improvement. In each meeting, take time to celebrate and affirm teachers as they meet goals and provide strategies to support areas for growth with new goals.
Collaborative Planning and Professional Learning Communities
Establish regular opportunities for shared planning sessions and professional learning communities (PLCs) to encourage collaboration among teachers. These forums enable new educators to exchange ideas, address challenges, and benefit from collective expertise.
Ongoing Professional Development through a New Teacher Academy
Provide targeted professional development tailored to the needs of new teachers. Monthly training sessions during the first four months of school can cover topics like school policies, curriculum standards, classroom management, differentiated instruction, student engagement, and effective assessment practices. Break the training into manageable segments and challenge teachers to implement ideas from the training. Find ways to celebrate and reward them when you see the implementation of new learning.
Building a Positive Culture and Climate
Organize team-building activities (like Minute-to-Win It Games), social events, and mentorship programs to foster camaraderie among staff members. Encourage mentor teachers to arrange regular check-ins and informal gatherings, creating a supportive network where new educators feel valued and connected.
Recognizing and Celebrating Accomplishments
Celebrate the achievements and milestones of new teachers to boost morale and reinforce their sense of belonging. Recognize outstanding contributions through awards, shout-outs during staff meetings, and personalized notes of appreciation for educators who go above and beyond in their roles.
Aspiring educators enter the teaching profession with passion and a desire to inspire and shape young minds. Educational leader Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can be.” By investing in the support and development of new teachers, schools can cultivate a thriving community of educators dedicated to championing the success of every student.
Cheri Braden is the Director of Campus Academic Support in San Angelo ISD. A TEPSA member, Cheri has previously served on the Board of Directors.
