Have you ever felt isolated in your classroom, wondering what the “best practice” is when confronted with a difficult situation and not knowing whom to ask?
Do you wish you had a network of new and experienced teachers to guide you through those uncertain times?
Well you do! The Lesley University New Teacher Community (NTC) knows that the first years of your teaching career can be immensely gratifying, but also filled with all sorts of pressure that can feel overwhelming. They get that!
The brainchild and natural out-growth of Lesley’s field placement experience, the New Teacher Community was founded by Marcia Bromfield, Harriet Deane and Nancy Roberts, professors in Lesley’s Graduate School of Education and nationally-recognized experts in their field. Supported by the generosity of MEDITECH and directed by former public school teacher Andi Edson, the NTC is a wonderful resource for Lesley alumni.
NTC founder Professor Nancy Roberts wants alumni to know that “becoming a teacher is a process and the NTC stands ready to help all along the way! This fabulous resource is here for all of our graduates. We know that these remarkable beginning years of teaching are filled with combined feelings of uncertainty and anticipation, with both glorious days and those that will test how dedicated you are and make you question whether the classroom is the best place for you. The Lesley New Teacher Community is here to support you and guide you through some of the hurdles of your first few years.”
NTC provides all sorts of opportunities to Lesley alumni, including consultations with experienced teachers, special events and innovative programs, and networking opportunities with Lesley faculty, fellow teachers and classmates.
The next NTC event is “Meaningful Conversations: Talking to Parents and Caregivers about Their Children and Things That Matter,” scheduled for Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm in room 2-048 in the Graduate School of Education in University Hall. Says Professor Harriet Deane, “Parent-teacher interactions can be uniquely challenging for the new teacher, and we hope that this program will help teachers focus their individual conversations and larger presentations on what parents and caregivers really need to know.” To attend or to get additional information, you can contact Ksmall4@lesley.edu by March 21.
Recent programs include a panel discussion in November entitled “What I Know Now that I Wish I Knew Then: Advice from the Pros for New Teachers.” Professor Marcia Bromfield comments, “This event brought many recent SOE graduates back to hear what teachers and administrators wish they had known and done in those beginning years of teaching. After the program our new teachers left enthusiastic, inspired and ready for the challenges ahead.”
NTC also awards mini-grants to teachers which are very popular. These awards are open to recent graduates. More information about the mini-grant program is available on the New Teacher Community website.
Program Director Andi Edson encourages all new teachers to get involved with the New Teacher Community and take advantage of this great benefit for alumni. To find out more about the mini-grants and all of the New Teacher Community offerings visit their Facebook page or NTC blog.