How District 62 orients new teachers

Des Plaines Elementary District 62 began a five-day orientation program Thursday to help 26 new certified staff members have successful careers. It provides an overview of district resources that support teaching and learning, and partners them with veteran teachers who will mentor them through the year.

According to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, 46 percent of teachers leave by their fifth year. To reduce turnover, school districts must provide professional development that enhances and expands the skills that teachers have, plus alleviate feelings of lack of support, isolation, being overwhelmed and possibly having unrealistic expectations of the job.

Mary Fink, a Central School veteran teacher and the program's coordinator, has structured it to address those issues. Mentor/novice teacher teams meet weekly, communicate on a frequent and ongoing basis, and participate in 10 to 20 confidential observation and feedback sessions.

Second year teachers participate in book studies and discussions, as well as cultural awareness training.