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• Background •

The New Teacher Center-Wisconsin (NTC-WI) and the Dane County New Teacher Project (DCNTP) offers a unique and exciting learning opportunity for those who support beginning teachers. Over the past two decades, the New Teacher Center, has been a leader in the development and refinement of a high quality mentor curriculum, including this two-day professional development. NTC-WI has tailored New Teacher Center workshops to carefully reflect the Wisconsin Teacher Standards in mentor tools, strategies and principles.

• Content •

This two-day coaching professional development focuses on the collection of observation data in relationship to professional standards and on the ways in which data can be shared with the beginning teacher to improve instructional practice. Emphasis is placed on the language and behavior of support to develop a trusting relationship between mentor/coach and beginning teacher. We recommend that participants complete Instructional Mentoring prior to taking this professional development.

• Professional Development Topics •

· Deepening Understanding Around the Purpose of Coaching · Reviewing the Coaching Cycle · Becoming Familiar with the Planning Conference Protocol · Using Wisconsin Teacher Standards to Guide Data Collection

· Developing Skills around Collecting and Analyzing Data · Distinguishing between Evidence and Opinion · Learning to Use Three Observational Tools · Preparing For and Conducting the Reflective Conference · Giving Strategic Feedback Using the Language of Support

• Intended Audience •

This professional development is particularly appropriate for mentor teachers, teacher leaders, instructional coaches, curriculum directors, and others who provide support for beginning teachers.

• Pre-requisite •

Instructional Mentoring is highly recommended prior to taking Coaching & Observation

• Materials •

Coaching and Observation TI Module: includes professional development materials that support the processing of information; a conversation guide to help mentors to understanding the purpose, rationale and suggested use of the tool and other resources; samples of completed tools and protocols; blank copies of each tool and a DVD of conversations between a mentor and a beginning teacher while engaged in using the tool or protocol.

• Credit •

One credit is available through the Cardinal Stritch University-Milwaukee. Please visit their website at http://www.stritch.edu/mentoringcertificate for additional information.

For more information, please contact:

Sharon Nelson, Regional Director snelson@newteachercenter.org 608-849-2858

Monica Schommer, DCNTP Co-Chairperson monica_schommer@marshall.k12.wi.us 608-849-2493

Melissa Ohm, Project Manager mohm@newteachercenter.org 608-849-2270