Tehama Teacher Induction Program

Induction News and Updates for Winter 2025

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

A New Year, Another Reminder: The Ripple Effect of Teaching and Mentoring

As we step into a new semester, I want to celebrate the incredible work that happens in your classrooms each day. Your job is so much more than academic lessons—it’s about building students' confidence in their potential, providing stability, exposing them to new ideas and perspectives, and instilling character and values that last a lifetime.

In rural communities, educators wear many hats—teacher, mentor, role model, and community leader—forming bonds with students and their families that can influence generations. As rural educators, you often have the opportunity to work closely with families, local businesses, and organizations, creating a network of support that enriches your students’ experiences. This collective effort fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

I was reminded of this impact through a recent experience. Last fall, I enrolled in an Adult Education Woodshop class at my former high school. The course is taught by one of our program’s mentors, who mentors two new teacher candidates. These candidates attend each week to observe his instruction and support the adult learners. Not only have I stretched myself to learn new skills, but this class has also served as a way to connect and network. I’ve reconnected with former classmates, former teachers, parents of friends, and current school staff and made new connections. We’ve shared many conversations and anecdotes about our fond memories of the school and its teachers. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about their current roles and the impact they are now making as adults in our community.

I encourage you to take a moment to recognize the incredible ripple effects of your work. The daily work of education is challenging, but every small act—whether it’s a warm hello, a listening ear, a shared joke, or an encouraging word—is appreciated and remembered by your students. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to support our students and our communities.

Jillian Damon, Ed.D.- Director

INDUCTION UPDATES AND RESOURCES

Stop, Breathe and Check In with Yourself

New Year, New Goals: Reflecting and Planning

As we welcome a new year, January is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set meaningful goals for the remainder of the school year. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned mentor, thoughtful reflection and planning can help you grow as an educator and make a lasting impact on your students. Here are some tips and strategies to guide your reflection and goal-setting process.

Step1: Reflect on your Previous Semester

Reflection is a critical part of professional growth. Take time to evaluate what worked well and identify areas for improvement.

Celebrate Successes: Think about your proudest moments and accomplishments from the first semester. Did you implement a successful teaching strategy? Build strong relationships with students? Master a new classroom technology?
Identify Challenges: What were your biggest struggles? Reflect on specific instances where you felt stuck or overwhelmed. This clarity can guide your planning for the new semester.
Use Data: Review student performance data, feedback from your mentor or colleagues, and notes from your observations to gain insights into your teaching practice.

Step 2: Set SMART Goals for the New Semester

Setting clear, actionable goals will help you stay focused and intentional. Use the SMART framework to guide your goal-setting process:

Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Include criteria for tracking progress.
Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable.
Relevant: Align your goals with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
Time-Bound: Set a timeline for achieving your goals.

Step 3: Revisit and Revise Goals Regularly

Goal-setting isn’t a one-time activity. Plan to revisit your goals regularly to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your mentor to discuss progress and receive feedback.
Reflection Journal: Keep a journal to document your experiences and reflect on how your goals are impacting your teaching practice.
Flexibility: Be open to revising your goals as new challenges or opportunities arise.

By starting the new year with clear goals and a plan of action, you can ensure that your growth as an educator remains purposeful and impactful. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and achievement for both you and your students!

Coach Collaboratives Happening!

You will receive information from your coach about your next Coach Collaborative session. During this session, your coach will review your most recent Cycle of Inquiry and address any questions you or your mentor may have about assignments or the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). Together, you will use feedback from administrators, mentors, and your last Cycle of Inquiry to set a Cycle of Inquiry goal and brainstorm your next steps.

CANDIDATE AND MENTOR RESOURCES

Professional Development Resources!

Don’t forget to explore our PD Padlet, where you can find a variety of resources to support your professional growth on your cycle of inquiry goal. We’ve gathered upcoming online trainings, recorded sessions, and classroom resources to assist you.

Be sure to take advantage of these valuable resources!

Teacher Self-Care: MindfulTeachers.org

Self-care is vital in teaching because professionals devote so much of themselves to the well-being of students that they can neglect themselves or even be unaware of stress. Here there are links to high-quality resources about exercise, diet, daily habits, mindfulness, establishing boundaries for work, and other topics.

CAL-MSCS: Trending Tuesdays!

The CAL-MSCS program’s overarching vision is to ensure that every California educator experiences the professional learning and support necessary to provide high-quality mathematics, science, and computer science education for all students in the state.

Join them every other Tuesday to experience engaging learning sessions led by our content leadership teams and partners. Explore current topics impacting mathematics, science, and computer science education, implementation, and engagement.