New Teacher Support

In EBR, we are dedicated to providing our new teachers with the tools they need to be successful in their classrooms.  The FIRST Steps Program (Framework for Inducting, Retaining, and Supporting Teachers) is designed to give new teachers a wide variety of professional development opportunities that are as personalized as possible.  The New Teacher Induction Program now includes the following components:

Ø      Demonstration Classrooms:  Preparing for the first days of school can seem overwhelming.  With EBR’s Demonstration Classrooms event, new teachers can visit the classrooms of experienced teachers before the school year begins, and speak with them about how to prepare for the first day of school. 

Ø      New Teacher Induction:  Before school begins, EBR welcomes its new teachers for a one-day New Teacher Induction event.  Speakers discuss instructional strategies and district policies, community organizations share information about their support programs for teachers, and you have a chance to meet many of your future colleagues.

Ø      New Teacher Reception:  Last year, the Baton Rouge community welcomed new teachers by holding a reception at the Old State Capitol.  New teachers received “goody bags” with materials for the classroom and were able to meet community leaders who are dedicated to ensuring that new teachers are supported throughout their first years in the classroom. 

Ø      Master Teacher Observations: Observing great teachers in action is one of the best ways to improve one’s own teaching.  Thanks to a state grant, new teachers can observe one of EBR’s recognized Master Teachers for half-a-day.  New teachers can select their Master Teacher from the list on New Teacher Central (a link on EBR’s web site just for new teachers), arrange a mutually convenient observation time and the grant pays for their half-day substitute.  More than one observation per semester is possible.

Ø      Half-Day Seminars and After-School Specials:  New teachers receive extra support as a large group during Half-Day Seminars and After-School Specials designed to meet their professional needs.  This year, topics ranged from classroom management to differentiated instruction.

Ø      Teachers Networking Together Teams:  Together with the Academic Distinction Fund, FIRST Steps is sponsoring TNT Teams.  These small, content-specific groups give math, science, and special education teachers the opportunity to meet together with a Master Teacher, discuss research-proven instructional strategies, and analyze student work.  Plans are underway to expand this pilot program to all new teachers for the 2003-04 school year.

Ø      New Teacher Central:  The New Teacher Central page of EBR’s website (www.ebrschools.org) has information about upcoming events, professional development links, grant opportunities, and the Master Teacher Observation list. 

For more information about new teacher support programs, please contact Dottie Logerot at

225.922-5482 or dlogerot@ebrschools.org.