New hires getting a crash course on ins and outs of Fayette schools

By PAT NEWMAN
pnewman@thecitizennews.com

About 200 teachers new to the Fayette County School System are learning to “Take this Job and Love It,” according to the header for a five-day orientation session staged at the LaFayette Education Center.

Terri Gaspierik, director of staff development, said the indoctrination, conducted last week, is being run like a mini-conference. “We have seven sessions for new and veteran teachers which are taught by teachers in the system,” she explained.

Subjects covered during the large group sessions include safety, ethics and communications, followed by break-out sessions in curriculum development by grade and content area. Attendees also may select two classes of special interest, according to Gaspierik.

There is a class designed specifically for special education teachers on writing individual education plans for students and others offered in teaching methods for connecting with children's multiple intelligences and brain compatibility.

An overview on preparing students for the writing assessment and a session on dressing for success round out the program.

Teachers also spent a full day at their assigned schools where they will meet with their mentors and familiarize themselves with procedures unique to the school.

“We also ask the mentors to drive the teachers around the community so they can see where things are and where the kids are coming from,” Gaspierik added.

There are 24 newly created teaching positions this year in the school system. Gaspeirik said about half of the new teachers were gained through attrition.

Fayette County schools will open Monday, Aug. 14.