Watertown Public Schools

30 Common Street, Watertown MA 02472

Professional Development

Watertown Public Schools > Departments > Professional Development

New Teacher Induction & Mentoring

New Teacher Induction & Mentoring is a two year comprehensive program to support new teachers with their practice.  There are four components to the program: Summer Orientation, First Year Induction, Second Year Induction, and the Mentor Seminar.

Each First-year teacher to Watertown is partnered with a trained Mentor.  The program begins with the Summer Orientation for new teachers to Watertown, a 4-day institute to introduce teachers to the district, its goals, programs, procedures, and practices.  During the school year Mentors provide support for new teachers, through monthly Induction seminars that focus on instructional practice, student achievement, and parent communication. In addition, meetings with Mentors take place on an ongoing basis to ensure the necessary support and encouragement for a successful classroom.

Teachers in their second year have the opportunity to take a course called "Teaching Diverse Learners" which also fulfills ELL professional development requirements. Depending on their professional needs, second-year teachers may also fulfill their Second Year Induction program by participating on a district task force, a curriculum committee, a supervised collaborative action research project, or a supervised curriculum planning project.

Mentors work with three to five new teachers each year. Mentors plan and facilitate the summer and school year programs for first year teachers. Throughout the year Mentors are also engaged in professional development to hone their mentoring skills.

Program Leaders

Debbie Munger, Elementary Induction Teacher Leader, Cunniff School Grade 3

William McCarthy, Mentor Coordinator, Hosmer School Co-Principal


Mentors

Steve Harrington, High School, Math (sabbatical, 2009-2010)

John Remis, High School, Social Studies

Matt Loughran, MIddle School Technology Education

Lisa McDonagh, Middle School Humanites

MaryKate Fitzpatrick, Cunniff Kindergarten (sabbatical, 2009-2010)

Judy Kearney, Cunniff Grade 1 (sabbatical, 2009-2010)

Debbie Munger, Cunniff Grade 3

Sheri Park, Lowell Grade 5

Marianne Cameron, Hosmer Physical Education

Mary White, Hosmer Guidance


Further Information