The Burlington Public School district's mentoring and induction program is thoughtfu lly designed to ensure newly hired educators experience a smooth and supportive transition into their roles in Burlington schools. This comprehensive program begins with a four-day orientation, where new educators are introduced to the district's culture, resources, digital platforms, and expectations. During this time, they will also start forming connections with their peers and mentors, laying the foundation for a strong support network.
Following the orientation, the program includes four district-wide meetings spaced throughout the year. These meetings provide opportunities for new teachers to come together, share experiences, and engage in discussions on topics that are highly relevant to contemporary teaching. The focus is on building a community of practice where educators can explore innovative strategies, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.
Central to the program is the regular one-on-one meetings with assigned mentors. These mentors are experienced teachers who offer guidance, share insights, and provide feedback in a safe and trusting environment. The mentor-mentee relationship is designed to be reciprocal, fostering mutual growth and learning. Through these interactions, new teachers gain confidence and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the classroom.
Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of peer observation as a tool for professional growth. New teachers receive training on how to effectively engage in and learn from observing their colleagues in action. This opportunity allows them to see diverse teaching styles, gather new ideas, and reflect on their own practices.
The mentoring and induction program is committed to nurturing new teachers and teachers new to Burlington by offering continuous support, facilitating meaningful connections, and encouraging ongoing professional development.
This year’s Mentor Leaders are:
Seeta Durvasula, MSMS Instructional Coach
[email protected]
Serving New Teachers at Memorial and MSMS
Shannon Janovitz, BHS Instructional Coach
[email protected]
Serving New Teachers at BECC, Pine Glen, and BHS
Jaime Kelly, Fox Hill Math Specialist
[email protected]
Serving New Teachers at Fox Hill and Francis Wyman
If you need assistance accessing our facilities, please contact Burlington Public Schools at [email protected] and we will work with you to provide the information you need. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who do not use voice channels to communicate, please contact us via email or via 711 or other relay services.