The first-year teachers are a widely diverse group, and they range from recent college graduates to seasoned professionals coming straight from the field with alternate certifications. Malli Travis, coordinator of social studies, organized the First Year Teacher Academy.  

The academy took place over three days at the Casey Administration Building. During that time they discussed what a professional educator looks like, the dos and don’ts of a professional and effective educator, classroom management, setting up a classroom, and getting ready for the first day of school.  

Travis spoke about how to read the TEKS standards and shared some of the best practices and strategies to implement in the classroom. They also spent time on how to effectively communicate and work with parents and families.   

“The main takeaways from the week were to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of first years in preparing for those first days of school and to help them establish protocols for maintaining their classrooms throughout the year,” said Travis. “The first year teacher academy is important because it’s a place for the teachers to start to build a community with each other and with other seasoned teachers to build upon their craft.” 

Laurie Bruns, Instructional Technology Coordinator, also talked with the first year teachers on technology tools and resources and how to incorporate them into the classroom and lessons. Jim Burke, Assistant Principal at Frenship High School, gave a motivational pep talk about making those connections with students as well as going over the importance of grading policies in the classroom.   

Travis asked the principals to meet the group for lunch one day to help develop a fellowship and start a dialogue between principals and first year teachers. The instructional coaches also joined for lunch to give insights into the culture of their specific buildings. 

“First Year Teacher Academy helped prepare me for my first year of teaching by giving me a plan of how to tackle the year with confidence," said Mary Hodges, first year teacher at North Ridge Elementary. "The academy has also provided me with an amazing support group of other first year teachers! Teaching is something I am passionate about, and I am so excited to be starting my dream job. Go Tigers!”