By pairing an administrator with a systems-level view and access to resources with a teacher leader deep in classroom expertise and credibility, a school-based mentor program added support to teachers new to teaching or new to the school. Their partnership sent a message that mentoring isn’t something done to teachers—it’s something we do together. “The […]

Amber Chandler, the author of “Everything New Teachers Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask,” shares a program her district implemented to address that 140 out of its 478 teachers have been with the district four years or less—and the ranks of untenured teachers are expected to swell to 250 in the next five […]

Some instructional coaches are starting the year with teachers who are new to the profession—and some with teachers who are entering the classroom without any teacher education background. What do these teachers believe defines classroom management, and where should a coach begin? Many instructional coaches are also hearing highly experienced teachers say, “I’ve never had […]

Most teachers recognize that students must pass through discomfort to grow. When learners are challenged with new ideas, unfamiliar skills, or tasks that stretch beyond their current ability, it’s natural for them to feel uncertain, frustrated, or even resistant. This discomfort is not a sign that something is wrong. It’s a signal that real learning […]

Dr. Meagan Booth, the Supervisor of Employee Relations at Knox County Schools in Tennessee, explores our need to learn about and from our Gen-Z teachers. She suggests the need to move from “just trust me” leadership to “here’s what you can expect” leadership providing consistency and transparency that build trust and respect for Gen Z. […]

How do instructional coaches address the mentoring concerns and needs of new teachers? Joellen Killion, senior advisor to LearningForward and international consultant to educational leaders addressing professional learning for student success, joins Steve to explore the mentoring elements of instructional coaching. They examine how instructional coaches and administrators can plan for novice teachers’ transitions from […]