The purpose of the program is to enhance the beginning teachers’ experience so that they feel supported and ultimately stay in the profession.

This is done by providing new teachers the opportunity to:

• Develop professional relationships with university faculty to share best practices based on research
• Reflect on teaching practice without the pressure of evaluation
• Cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement through reflection and discussion
• Meet together in a supportive environment where both professional and personal questions, concerns, and doubts can be addressed

Novice K-12 teachers are invited to participate for the academic year. They can be graduates of both the University of Missouri-St. Louis and area colleges of education. The program includes three day-long conferences, small discussion group meetings, and communication via e-mail throughout the academic year.

Conference topics include but are not limited to classroom management, cultural pluralism, technology and assessment.  Other topics are addressed based on participants’ assessed interest and need. The conference format, geared to the particular needs of the novice teacher, includes guest speakers, applicable hands-on activities, and interactive discussion. Small discussion groups are created based on grade level or content area.Instructional methods, academic content and classroom management are explored and analyzed in informal meetings with appropriate university faculty mentors acting as facilitators.

University faculty mentors are available via e-mail throughout the academic year to answer questions, address concerns, share research, and celebrate successes. A resource book of successful lessons, activities, and assessments shared by participants during the year is compiled and distributed to the group.

For more information, contact Dr. Helene Sherman, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at Helene_Sherman@umsl.edu or 314-516-6710.