Welcome to teaching in Washington! If your district is receiving funds to provide support to you in your first year from the Teacher Assistance (Peer Mentoring) program, this support should take the form of:

• Mentoring from an experienced, exemplary teacher (who is not permitted to play a role in your formal evaluation);
• Release time for your mentor to come in to your classroom to observe, for you to observe your mentor, and for you (and your mentor, if possible) to observe other teachers;
• An orientation to your district and school;
• Training from your district and/or assistance from your mentor in a number of important topics for first-year teachers; and
• Assistance from your mentor in developing a plan for your professional growth.

You will find helpful information and resources for beginning teachers on this Web site. If you have questions about the Teacher Assistance Program, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address or phone number below.

Wishing you success in your first year,

Linda Foster, NBCT
Teacher Assistance Program Coordinator
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
360.725.6323
linda.foster@k12.wa.us