New Educator Induction Program

Contact: Courtney Kelly, 240-236-8826

FCPS teachers in the Rise Induction ProgramThe RISE Induction Program is a comprehensive induction program with a goal of building a workforce of effective educators that reach, challenge, and prepare students in our school system. This professional growth model supports new educators through interactions with trained mentors, specifically designed MSDE course offerings, and opportunities to work with and learn from master teachers.

New Hire Symposium, an annual four-day onboarding conference, is the first component of the FCPS induction program. It is an opportunity for key stakeholders to welcome new hires and prepare them for their career in FCPS. Held the week before returning staff report, topics at this conference include building background on district priorities, developing familiarity with curriculum standards at the appropriate grade level and content area, classroom management strategies, and meeting the needs of diverse student populations. In addition to these professional learning opportunities, new hires also meet with their school-based mentor (or designee) to learn about their school community, work closely with master teachers to explore the curriculum and develop lesson plans, and begin to prepare their classrooms. Throughout this experience, new hires build relationships with other new hires, mentor teachers, master teachers and curriculum specialists that set them on a path for instructional success in FCPS.

Through our Induction programming, first, second, and third year hires also have the opportunity to enroll in MSDE CPD coursework, The RISE Induction Program, that is specially designed to meet new hires' individual needs. During Year 1, participants meet once a month for a face-to-face session to receive ongoing support, professional learning, and the opportunity to collaboratively problem-solve with peers and Master Teachers. During Year 2, new hires engage in a pair of online courses that focus on deepening the educator’s understanding of instructional planning and delivery, effective classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and best practices that encourage student achievement. Finally, during Year 3, participants may choose to participate in one or both of two course options: a close study of a self-selected component of the Framework for Teaching (the FCPS teacher evaluation instrument), and collaborative planning sessions with peers and Master Teachers.

Finally, in addition to New Hire Symposium and RISE Induction coursework, our Induction program includes comprehensive support for first and second year teachers from a building-level mentor who helps orient new hires to the building, is able to provide non-evaluative feedback, and is trained in cognitive coaching.


Information for Staff

New Hire Symposium