Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) will provide about 130 new certified staff with a series of onboarding sessions during the district’s annual induction on July 19-21 at the Broad Ripple Professional Development Center.
The induction will create a shared awareness of curriculum, priorities, and basic programs necessary for success within the district, and will prove face time with functional teams to create connections with stakeholders within IPS and within the community, said Valerie Summerlot, the district’s senior manager of professional learning.
“The first year of a new career at IPS can be challenging and the district recognizes that additional support may be needed,” she said. “During this onboarding session, we will introduce them to the support systems to build their confidence and ensure they are successful.”
The sessions will include:
- Welcoming remarks by IPS Supt. Dr. Aleesia Johnson, allowing participants to ground themselves with district initiatives.
- A presentation on racial equity in the district by Dr. Pat Payne, the district’s director of racial equity.
- A presentation by Dr. Michelle Jackson, executive director of teaching and learning, providing participants with a greater understanding of the Teaching and Learning team and how it supports schools and educators.
There also will be presentations on how to leverage various IPS programs, including Ed Tech, Power School, and health services. Participants also will attend sessions about the district’s code of conduct, relationship-building strategies, and self-care.
Teachers new to the career of teaching will be matched with a mentor for their first year. School counselors, social workers, nurses, and veteran teachers new to IPS will be welcomed by a professional learning teacher leader within their school buildings.
The induction is sponsored by the IPS Foundation.
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