Join the New Teacher Support Working Group!
Are you a new or early-career teacher looking for a supportive space to grow, share, and thrive? The New Teacher Support Working Group is here for you! Launched in October, this vibrant community brings together pre-service, new, and “new-ish” teachers to tackle the challenges of teaching with creativity, collaboration, and practical strategies that work.
At our inaugural meeting, participants explored how to help students build resilience and become effective problem solvers using innovative tools like tangrams. These engaging, hands-on activities demonstrated how to foster perseverance, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving—skills that empower students to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
We also tackled a vital topic for new educators: managing challenging student behaviors. From observing students in different settings to identifying their motivators, members shared thoughtful approaches to fostering positive classroom experiences. Discussions emphasized building trust, reinforcing positive behaviors, and collaborating with guidance counselors or social workers to create a safe, inclusive environment for all learners.
Here’s what you can look forward to in our monthly meetings:
- Actionable Strategies: Gain practical tools you can use in your classroom the very next day.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Share challenges and insights with a community that truly understands your journey.
- Relationship Building: Discover techniques to connect with students, from learning about their personal interests to supporting their unique needs.
- Hands-On Ideas: Explore creative, classroom-ready activities like tangram challenges to inspire resilience and engagement in your students.
The New Teacher Support Working Group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 8 PM, providing a consistent space to connect, share resources, and grow your practice. Whether you’re just starting your teaching career or looking for ways to reinvigorate your classroom approach, this group is for you!
Take the first step toward building a community of support and becoming the teacher you aspire to be. Join us today! Let’s navigate the joys and challenges of teaching—together!
Monthly Recaps
Collaborating for Success: Sharing Insights, Overcoming Challenges, and Enhancing Teaching and Engagement
The November 20 meeting of the New Teachers Working Group centered on sharing successes, addressing challenges, and brainstorming strategies to enhance teaching practices and student engagement. One member highlighted a revised unit on chemical reactions, which used a discovery-based approach…
“Building Resilient Classrooms: Key Takeaways from the New Teacher Support Working Group’s First Meeting”
The New Teacher Support Working Group launched in October. At the first ever meeting, participants shared strategies to help students build resilience and become problem solvers, with a focus on using tangrams as a hands-on tool to develop these skills.