Christina Miga, elaborates on how new teachers are welcomed into this ecosystem. “We’ve made significant updates to our induction program, particularly post-COVID, to align with today’s educational and societal needs,” she shares. The multi-day training for new staff covers essential topics like the New York State teaching standards, the district’s curriculum, and culturally responsive education. “We also focus on behaviors, socialemotional learning (SEL) and strategies to support the whole child in the classroom,” she adds. Beyond onboarding, the district provides ongoing mentorship to new teachers, pairing them with experienced colleagues who offer year-long guidance. Mrs. Miga highlights that these mentoring relationships are enhanced by after-school sessions that address common challenges faced by new educators. But not all incoming staff are recent graduates. “Many of our new-to-us staff come with veteran experience,” she explains, adding how that is a valuable asset. Another critical piece of support is the district’s Teaching Learning Center – a hub for professional growth tailored to meet the specific needs of teachers.“It’s led by a teacher on special assignment whose role is to identify professional learning needs through assessments and ensure there’s a menu of opportunities that directly address those needs,” she explains. The TLC operates with funding from both the state and district. INTEGRATING STEAM AND REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS K-12 West Irondequoit’s educational approach is a balance between foundational skills and incorporating cutting-edge practices. It prioritizes preparing students for a world shaped by technology and evolving career opportunities while ensuring handson, critical-thinking experiences that define lifelong learning. “We’ve taken a methodical approach to technology in elementary classrooms,” Mrs. Miga explains. “We aim to avoid extremes. Technology is a natural part of students’ lives, so we want to provide access and ensure we’re up to date, but also maintain the foundational, tactile experiences critical to learning.” 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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