By Shaunte Mosley
The New Educator Steering Committee (NESC), which was initially named the New Teacher Steering Committee, recently changed its name to provide more inclusivity to all PSRPs. The committee began last year and was relaunched virtually this fall. It has made a significant impact on new teachers. The committee received much feedback for training for the following:
- Special Education Resources
- Behavioral Management Strategies for Educators along with a panel before each school year
- DIBELs testing and more videos for instruction from experienced educators (located in the Instructional Toolbox and requires a password for protecting important information)
The opportunity for new educators to connect with experienced educators and learn new education strategies and ways to support student learning plays a role in making an impact on student development and achievement and on instructional delivery of the content. The New Educator Steering Committee not only reminds educators of essential components such as observations, IDPs and the set of skills and knowledge that it requires to educate every year, but also offers a unique perspective on succeeding as an educator, especially in a virtual or hybrid setting.
Some ways that the New Educator Steering Committee is reaching out to members include the following:
- Asking for feedback from educators about important topics
- Committee Members receive the date and time for meetings in advance, and reminders are sent out by email. All members always receive an agenda during each meeting.
- Gaining consensus for important committee changes.
- Using a survey to ask educators to share their perspectives on a variety of topics.
- Providing important updates regarding BTU and providing educators with the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each meeting.
- Experienced and new educators can request a BTU Buddy to offer support.
- Teachers are also aware of any upcoming board meetings, and all committee members receive all notes from each meeting.
- Connect with other educators and serve in NESC elected positions and Union Chapter Committees.
- Share strategies for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and time management tips.
- Discuss a variety of content area subjects, including Special Education and General Education for grades K-12.
- Registration for important BTU events and links for educators to join the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU).
- Essential contact personnel for any concerns (school field representatives, certification, and participation in any motions during the meeting).
- Important information on salary benefits and necessary measures for school reopening and the ability to sign up for the Sick Bank.
- A sense of community for educators, upcoming professional development opportunities, and information on evaluations, SLOs and AU credits (graduate or college courses).
Notably, the committee has petitioned the School Board at the end of November, requesting a prompt response from the board for certification questions (10 days). The NESC is also open to all educators and holds meetings on the first Thursday of every month from 4:00-5:30 PM. For more information, contact newteachersteeringcommittee@baltu.org