District of Columbia Public Schools | Division of Teaching and Learning | Office of Professional Development

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Welcome to District of Columbia Public Schools! By deciding to teach for DCPS you are
committing yourself to the achievement of students in a school district that is striving to close
severe achievement gaps and is at the forefront of urban education reform. As you enter your first
year of teaching, the DCPS Office of Professional Development aims to provide the support you
need to ensure your success.

What can you expect from us during your first year of teaching?
NEW TEACHER MENTORS
All first year teachers in the district are provided mentoring support from either a full-time release
mentor or from a professional developer who acts as the school site support person. Mentors offer
support throughout the year by:
 Offering classroom management and instructional strategies to improve your teaching
success
 Observing your classroom and debriefing with you on a regular basis
 Assisting with collecting and analyzing data to track your students’ progress throughout the
year

NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION (NTO)

NTO is a 2-day orientation held this year on August 13th & 14th, 2009. It will provide training and
support on a variety of topics, including:
 Instructional Strategies
 Classroom Management
 Analyzing Data
 The DC-BAS, DC-CAS and DIBELS standardized assessments
 Human Resources / Benefits

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As a new teacher, you will also have access to a variety of professional development opportunities to
increase your effectiveness as a teacher, including:
 The Teacher Observation Program
 After-school seminars

We’re here to help you make your first year a

success! Please don’t hesitate to contact
Deonne Medley, Director, Office of
Professional Development - New Teacher
Induction, at Deonne.Medley@dc.gov with
questions or concerns.