GCS Insider - Making a Difference

Recruitment – Educating about Education

When you consider how to attract and retain quality teachers in GCS, two primary departments come to mind, Recruitment and Induction and Success. These two groups have distinct differences, but together they work to bring new talent to our district and provide support to ensure success.  

The process of attracting new teachers starts with the recruitment department, under the direction of Alan Hooker, Director of Employment.  When he started in 1999, he says he was a “one and a half person” department which has now grown to eight.  Hooker starts with laying out some misconceptions about teaching.  “It is not hard to get people interested in education, the greater challenge is making sure they are certified, and that they share our value system,” said Hooker.  Another myth is the low salary of teachers. “We are competitive with the business administration degree and others non-education degrees.  Recent graduates that we talk to are pleased with the salary we offer,” explained Hooker.

Recruitment has never been more important in view of some startling statistics. For one, due to the population growth in North Carolina and teacher retirement, approximately 10,000 teachers are needed each year across the state.  Currently, colleges and universities are graduating approximately 3,500 education majors annually.  GCS receives 10,000 applications each year and hires approximately 850 total licensed positions.

As times and competition have changed the education landscape so have recruitment strategies for the best and the brightest.   Mission Possible is an initiative that attracts and retains highly qualified teachers by offering monetary incentives to teach math and science, fields of study that are drawing teachers to the corporate world. “Our competition is not other school systems, it is the corporate world,” said Hooker.

A rigorous screening process also ensures the best candidates. Applicants must first complete an online screening application; go through a district-wide interview and finally, an interview with the potential principal.  “We want to be able to put the best people in the right place where they can succeed,” explained Hooker. “For example, not all teachers can work in a Title 1 school, so we are careful to make right placements.”

Hooker believes that GCS has a plethora of offerings to attract teachers. “We are more than 41 flavors; we are not vanilla,” said Hooker. “We offer education to a diverse group of students from small communities, inner-city neighborhoods and urban neighborhoods.”  At the end of the day it comes down to “educating about education” by speaking to college and university students about the rewards of education, holding recruitment fairs and other methods.  And, recruiting the best.

 

Induction and Success – The New Teacher’s Tool Kit

 

Each year, GCS opens its doors to approximately 400-500 first-year teachers.  Induction Support Coaches in the office of Induction and Success stand ready to bridge the gap for new teachers by offering support and education.  Research shows that retaining teachers requires a strong induction strategy for the first year of teaching which is often “the make it or break it year.” 

“A new teacher doesn’t always look like a 23-year old, they could be a 50-year old making a career change,” said Sue Renn, Academic Coach of Induction and Success. “They are coming to us with different skill levels and different backgrounds, so it is more of a challenge.”

Each new teacher is assigned a mentor, who is usually a career teacher with mentor training, a “buddy” teacher who is in the same grade level and department and an induction support coach. Additionally, each school also has an induction coordinator.  Induction coordinators assist principals with assigning mentors and hold monthly teacher seminars.

All roles are crucial, but it is the induction support coaches that you will hear about most often. The nine-person department makes classroom visits, helps with lesson plans and offers feedback.  All interactions between support team members are confidential.  Each induction coach is assigned 45 to 65 new teachers, which is why the department theme song is “On the Road Again.”  “That’s why you don’t see us in the office much,” said Martha Snavely, Executive Director of Induction and Success and Professional Development.  “To do our jobs effectively, we must be in the schools.”

Resources, training and professional development courses are in abundance from Red Apple training to Right Start new teacher orientation, training, seminars and newsletters.  The department works closely with human resources, curriculum and instruction, professional development, recruitment, psychological services and other departments to ensure success for new teachers. “We want to impact student learning and we do that by raising the quality of teaching,” said Snavely.

A recent survey proved that the department is on the right track. The majority of new teachers reported that they received the support they needed during their first year.  First year teacher Diane Cannon can attest to that.  “College prepared me for teaching, and I was actually teaching preschool during college,” said Cannon.  “Even though the transition was easy for me, it made a big difference to know that I had the guidance of my principal, teachers and support team.  This support is making my first year at Guilford Elementary a positive one.”

Renn likens the first year of teaching to that of a 500-piece puzzle. “Our job is to help the beginning teacher see the big picture and know where to put the pieces as they reflect on new knowledge and build skills,” said Sue. 

In the end, all agree that teaching is not a career, it’s a lifestyle.

 

Do you know GCS employees that should be spotlighted for their efforts on and off the job? Contact Lynne Brandon at 370-8353 or brandol@gcsnc.com to share their stories.

 

 

GCS Insider - Employee of the Month

 

The job of a school social worker is never easy, but at The Middle College at NC A&T, Duane Lewis’ passion for what he does makes it all worth it. So many students face great hardships, but Lewis uses whatever means necessary to give his students the tools needed to grow into responsible and successful young men.

He is an advocate, a role model and an inspiration. Whether he’s checking on absent students or helping others who don’t have permanent homes, Lewis deserves credit for keeping young men not only in school, but also engaged in learning. For his remarkable enthusiasm in the face of adversity, he was chosen as the district’s December Employee of the Month.

 

“There are not enough words to describe Mr. Duane Lewis,” Principal Jesse Pratt explained. “Mr. Lewis goes above and beyond for all students, parents and staff at The Middle College at NC A&T. Mr. Lewis’ best quality is his attitude. He is always upbeat, positive and friendly to ensure that he is able to reach our students. He actively gets involved and helps whenever he can in all areas. He is not only a great social worker, but also a good friend and role model for our students.”

 

As Employee of the Month, Lewis received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with Guilford County Schools to support the employee recognition program. In addition, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized him at its December 4 meeting.

 

Do you know an employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty in his/her job? Let us know! Click on the following link to submit your nomination form online: http://www.gcsnc.com/emp_month/emp_month.htm

 

 

 

 

GCS Insider - GCS Newcomers School

 

The principal speaks French; teachers are from the four corners of the world except for Antarctica, and students hail from Thailand, China, Burma (largest new population), Niger, Mexico and other countries. Every day this diverse group convenes for the sole purpose of learning English and transitioning newcomers into the United States at the GCS Newcomers School, the first of its kind in North Carolina.

The GCS Newcomers School is a prime example of educational innovation that not only meets the needs of a continually growing diverse population but demonstrates the vision of a district that continues to attract attention across the nation for its creative approaches to education.

 

Teachers like Shirley Marcus remember when GCS did not have the English as Second Language (ESL) program. The 25-year career ESL teacher is from Sweden and understands firsthand what is like to come to the United States as a non-English speaking person.

 

 “The GCS Newcomers School is an ESL dream world,” said Marcus. “The teachers and staff are dedicated and use the best teaching practices including content-based learning. Within weeks, we are seeing a difference in speaking ability when students are immersed in language. I think this school will become a national gem that other educators from across the U.S. will model.” Currently Marcus assists other ESL teachers with scheduling, teaching strategy and curriculum.

 

ESL teacher Leisa Huddleston hails from Minnesota where she started her career in 1983. Huddleston particularly enjoys working with refugees. “The atmosphere here is encouraging and comfortable for newcomers,” explained Huddleston. “The positive attitude is fostered by our principal and it filters down to the teachers. The community is excited about this school, and we have volunteers of all ages and interns from local universities.”

 

The diversity of the teachers is as interesting as the variety of students. Two such teachers are Leonard Ruiz from Bogota, Columbia and Vanina Hackett from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Teaching English as a foreign language in their respective countries prepared them for the GCS Newcomers School.

 

Ruiz knew as a young boy that language was the key to opportunity. “I wanted to know what people were saying and knew that if I wanted to travel and deal with people that I needed to know English,” smiled Ruiz. He remembers the tears of non-English speaking children in traditional schools and that it was often months before they could speak English. “I had a student from Thailand who could not speak a word of English on the first day of school. Now three months later, this student is helping another student.”

 

Both teachers site challenges such as culture differences and diverse abilities (some students have never been to school). Differences are respected, but the primary goal remains to assist students with a successful transition into American culture. Students are allowed to speak their native language when helping other students but overall, English is reinforced. “When you are multilingual, you see the world in a different way,” said Hackett.

 

Ruiz recalled introducing students to French fries and hamburgers for the first time. “We have children who have never seen these types of food,” said Ruiz. “In another setting it would be traumatic. Here we gently introduce them to American foods so they aren’t overwhelmed.”

 

Hackett has also seen children come out of their shell quickly at the school. “I had a Burmese student who was extremely shy, and now he is very outgoing,” said Hackett.

 

All agree that the school is a confidence builder for these students who are often overwhelmed in traditional schools. To help the transition for students and parents, Principal Jake Henry visited the parents before school started. “Relationship-building is a priority and will be the key to our success” said Henry.

  

 

GCS Insider - Quick Notes

 

December 2007

• 15  Bill of Rights Day
• 17 Wright Brother's Day
• 22 First Day of Winter

GCS Winter Break

GCS will observe the winter break December 21 through January 1, 2008. Please note that all administrative offices will be closed on December 24 through January 1 for the winter break.

 

Sealy/Fox 8 Holiday Concert

Conductor Bruce Kiesling will lead the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra in the celebration of its 20th Anniversary when Sealy and Fox 8 hold their annual holiday concert at the Greensboro Coliseum on December 14. The concert will feature Lisa Dames, with appearances by local radio and television personalities.

 

Admission and parking are free with a donation of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra at 335-5456 ext. 222.

 

Good Neighbor Next Door Program Benefits Teachers
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved areas of Guilford County for participation in the Good Neighbor Next Door program, which is designed to promote home ownership among emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement officers and teachers. HUD provides a substantial incentive in the form of a 50 percent discount off the list price of eligible foreclosed properties to encourage revitalization within a designated area. Participants in the Good Neighbor Next Door program must commit to live in the house for three years. For more information, please call HUD at 373-2349 or visit www.hud.gov.

 

GCS Insider - Cornerstone

Taking the Blues out of the Holidays

By John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services

  

With the holidays once again just around the corner, it’s time to talk about holiday stress and holiday blues. The holidays can be full of activity, excitement and promise with parties, shopping, entertaining, religious observances, family gatherings and decorating. However, with this time of year inevitably comes stress, which for many people begins with the “countdown.” The clock starts ticking around Halloween, and many people begin to feel that there is not enough time to fit in everything. We often have higher expectations for this time of year than for any other, which places even more pressure on us and increases the likelihood that we may end up disappointed.

 

For some, the holidays can be an emotionally low time, with feelings of loss or sadness and increased stress because of not being able to be with loved ones, due to death, divorce or separation of any kind. Feelings of sadness, loneliness and anger can intensify when contrasted with the joy expected of the holidays.

 

Here are some tips for coping with holiday stress and blues:

• Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
• Make a list and prioritize the important activities. This can help make holiday tasks more manageable.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
• Do not put all your energy into just one day The holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next.
• Live and enjoy the present.
• Look to the future with optimism.
• Get enough sleep.
• Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the good old days of the past.
• If there has been a recent loss, you may want to do something different like take a vacation with a family member or friend.
• If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.
• Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday decorations or going window shopping without buying and watching the winter weather whether it's a snowflake or a raindrop.
• Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase feelings of depression.
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people.
• Reach out and make new friends.
• Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.
• Make time for yourself!
• Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks.
• Keep track of your holiday spending. Over-spending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over. Extra bills with little budget to pay them can lead to further stress and depression.
• Spend time with people who care about you. Do not isolate yourself. If you feel there is no one available, then reach out to others in need.

Use these tips to help fend off holiday stress and the holiday blues so you can truly say HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services (CPS). CPS is the district’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers five free counseling sessions per year to eligible employees and/or immediate family members. Call CPS at 540-9400 for information.