Educators celebrate completion of the new Teacher Induction Program

Milpitas Unified School District leaders celebrated the turning over of a new leaf for 18 teachers during a celebration closing out the successful completion of their participation in the new Teacher Induction Program on May 8. The goal of the new program is to provide new teachers with a rewarding experience that builds professional skills, fosters lifelong peer relationships, and establishes positive instructional practices that will impact the lives of all students and their families. 

"Back when we started two years ago, I remember I gave someone a compass," Norma Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Development, recalled during the ceremony. "When you take on this position as a teacher, you take on a journey. You don’t know where that is going to lead you, but the compass will always point to your true north. And your true north is what you are all about. "

She continued: "I want to thank you for embarking on this journey with us, and we will never arrive. Know that we will always be striving to get there and get there, but with this mindset that we’re always learning and we’re always improving." 

Participants of the two-year program receive new teacher orientation; dedicated mentor teachers matched by grade and subject; on-site support; robust mentoring system aligned to induction standards; multi-level support and individual reflective assessment; professional growth units through University of the Pacific; professional learning community, online and districtwide training options; and online support and an efolio. 

"We are so proud of the work that you’ve done and look forward to the continual growth that you’ll make as you help our youngsters be all that they can be," said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. "So thank you very much, each one of you, and be proud of the work that you’ve done." 

This year's inductees included Samantha Brasil and Kelsey Taku from Curtner Elementary School; Sarah Green-Thomsen from Pomeroy Elementary School; Elisabeth Pitts from Randall Elementary School; Amber Blanco, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Nicole King, and Vanessa Lorenzana from Spangler Elementary School; Amrun Singh from Rancho Middle School; Caseara Martinez and Wai Lan Tsang from Russell Middle School; Karina Briseno, James Carter, Brian Knitter, Jason Marino, Anthony McCan, and Tomy Nguyen from Milpitas High School; and Kwabena Amo-Mensah from Elmwood/Adult Education.