Teacher Induction » Induction Overview and Objectives

Induction Overview and Objectives

 

Admin - Whittier Union High School District

Welcome to the Teacher Induction Program  

The Whittier Union High School District has partnered with the Los Angeles County Office of Education Consortium to offer a two-year, individualized, job-embedded program of mentoring, support and professional learning that is offered to teachers holding California Preliminary Teaching Credentials.  Successful completion of the program leads to a recommendation for the Clear Credential.

As a teacher in the Whittier Union High School District, we offer a California State Accredited Professional Clear Teaching Credential Program within the LACOE consortium free of charge to any contracted Secondary Education or Education Specialist teacher. State law requires teachers to enter into an Induction Program within their first year of teaching under a preliminary credential.

 

During the course of the two-year program, participating teachers engage in self-selected action research and application, as well as creating and implementing an Individual Learning Plan that encompasses professional growth goals related to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.  In partnership with a mentor who offers both assistance and encouragement, the participant will successfully navigate their first teaching years, learning to reflect on their day-to-day classroom experiences and make evidence-based decisions that guide their future practice.

Program Objectives:

  • Provide a two-year, individualized, job-embedded system of mentoring, support and professional learning that begins within the first year of the candidate's teaching. Candidate must hold a Preliminary Credential.
  • Match the candidate with a mentor within the first 30-days of enrollment in the program. Candidate-mentor matches are based on credential held, grade level, and/or subject area. Supplemental support will be provided in a subject area, if needed, based on the mentor match.
  • Develop and support goals within the context of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The ILP will address the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and their elements to provide a road map for the candidate's Induction work.  The candidate and mentor, with input from site administration, will collaboratively develop the ILP within the first 60 days of the candidate’s enrollment in the program.
  • Provide weekly mentoring support that includes both real time and longer-term analysis of teaching practice to help candidates develop enduring professional skills.
  • Provide candidate guidance and support in attaining site and district goals, as well as learning behaviors/tasks related to the systems, culture, and professional expectations of their district.
  • Provide an Early Completion Option (ECO) for experienced and exceptional candidates that meet the program criteria.
  • Verify candidate competence based on a review of observed and documented evidence to determine recommendation for the Clear Teaching Credential.

 

Program Requirements:

Attendance and full participation in the following, as outlined in the Induction Program Timeline for each year: 
    • Teacher Power Kick-Off training in August (three days)
    • Weekly ongoing mentor collaboration (1 hour/week on average)
    • Completion of program activities, tools, and documentation in collaboration with mentor
    • Informal and formal classroom observations by mentor
    • Attendance at all required professional development sessions, including potential candidate-mentor group meetings and Teacher Learning Community trainings
    • End of the year Colloquium celebration

 

For more information, please contact: 

 

Michele Jones

District Induction Specialist, WUHSD

562 698-8121 Extension 1192

[email protected]

 

 

 

Kenna Tarkington

Credential Technician, WUHSD

562 698-8121 Extension 1036

[email protected]

 

 

 

Ashley Ruiz

LACOE Coordinator

(562) 940-1868

[email protected]