Supporting our Newest!

Teaching should never be a lonely job, especially in the first year. Support for new teachers in Talladega City Schools has been given in several ways. Each new teacher was assigned a personal mentor selected by the principal. Mentors are chosen by their expertise and ability to assist others.

New teachers met before school began to become aquainted with the school system, receive information, complete forms, and receive a welcome from Central Office staff. A second meeting for new teachers occurred on January 2 at R. L. Young. It was a more personal gathering.

Ginger Paris, principal at R. L. Young, led the hour long session, allowing teachers to share concerns, obstacles, and accomplishments experienced during the first half of the school year. This type of open forum helps teachers know that everyone experiences difficulties. There should be no shame in admitting there are problems in a classroom. The mistake is not asking for help.

One teacher from Talladega High School shared how he had the students complete a survey of his teaching. This is risky for even veteran teachers! But the feedback he got will help improve his teaching and serve as inspiration. Everyone needs to evaluation their practice and who better to ask than the students you serve?

Teachers were given a book entitled, "Tools for Teaching" by Fred Jones. It is a good resource covering all types of issues that can occur in any classroom. They may have to save it until the summer, but it will serve as a reminder that we are proud they are a part of Talladega City Schools!