Becoming a teacher is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming; there’s so much to learn to be the expert educator students need. The Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) New Teacher Support Program (NTSP) provides new teachers with the tools they need to grow professionally, improve student achievement, and jumpstart successful, long-lasting careers.
“When we invest in our educators through mentorship, resources, and ongoing professional development, we empower them to create engaging, effective learning environments. Our students thrive when their teachers feel confident and equipped to meet their needs,” said LCS Director of Teaching & Learning Dr. Jennifer Davis.
Educators receive valuable training and one-on-one assistance through the New Teacher Support Program.
Launched at the start of the 2024-25 school year, the NTSP provides varying tiers of support tailored to each teacher’s experience level, whether they’re in the first three years of their teaching career or just new to LCS. Participants receive guidance from experienced mentors and regular check-ins with principals and program coaches.
“We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment for our new teachers. This program provides a safe space to learn and ask questions as they acclimate to their schools and grow as educators,” said LCS elementary literacy coordinator Courtney Bennett, who leads the NTSP.
The New Teacher Academy
They also receive targeted training and resources through the New Teacher Academy. Monthly sessions after school equip teachers with practical strategies for lesson planning, parent communication, classroom management, educational standards alignment, data tracking, restorative practices, and more. Experts from across the division help teachers develop foundational skills and enhance their teaching practices.
The New Teacher Academy helps new educators build core skills.
“This program gives us resources that help us better ourselves. They had a session focused on behavior, which has helped me a lot with classroom management,” said R. S. Payne Elementary School teacher Nicole Smith.
It’s Smith’s second year pursuing her license while gaining hands-on classroom experience as a classified teacher. The New Teacher Academy makes the certification process more accessible for classified teachers and those with provisional licenses.
“It’s absolutely amazing to surround myself with other people who are in the same season as I am while learning from the pros at LCS. We cover a variety of topics, from academics to socioemotional learning to tips on gaining full licensure,” said classified teacher Elizabeth White, who started her teaching career at Heritage Elementary School in the fall.
Nicole Smith, a second-year teacher at R. S. Payne Elementary School, applies wisdom from the New Teacher Academy in her classroom.
Experienced teachers are also welcome to join sessions for useful refreshers in addition to their regular professional development. A core pillar of the NTSP is collaboration between seasoned and new educators. In addition to learning from and mingling with experienced teachers at training sessions, new teachers are paired with veteran teacher mentors.
Mentors Lend a Hand
“My mentor has been a great help. He’s always available for any questions I may have. He’s taught history at all three middle school grade levels, so he’s very familiar with the content areas,” said Dunbar Middle School history teacher Michael Brosmer, who made the switch from the healthcare technology industry to education last school year.
Pairs meet at least once a week to reflect on successes, areas for improvement, and questions. Mentors provide insights and encouragement during peer observations, helping new teachers find their footing. Those who are new to LCS but not to teaching have access to teacher partners, with whom they meet regularly as they get acclimated to the division.
“The biggest thing is to ensure new teachers are equipped to do their job well. When a teacher feels confident in what they do, that’s immediately reflected in the student experience,” Bedford Hills Elementary School teacher Brandi Scott said.
Scott has an open-door policy with her mentee, making herself available to answer questions and provide in-depth guidance on topics like lesson planning as needed.
“I try to point my mentee in the right direction if there’s someone better suited to answer her questions, whether that’s another teacher, an administrator, or a staff member. I want her to feel connected with all school staff, not just me,” Scott said.
Bedford Hills Elementary School teacher Brandi Scott (right) and her mentee, Jennifer Hazelton (left).
Coaches Accelerate Success
Regional NTSP coaches also meet regularly with new teachers one-on-one to make sure they’re receiving adequate assistance. They address individual areas of need, connect them with literacy coaches and behavior specialists, and gather information to shape training topics and program offerings.
“Meeting with new teachers across the division, we’re able to see trends and patterns in what they’re experiencing. We're collecting data about how teachers feel about different facets of their roles at different points throughout the year, from behavioral and instructional support to licensing,” said regional coach Megan Russell. “Our goal is to use this data to refine the program and make it even more beneficial.”
Russell and her fellow regional coaches are LCS data coordinators/instructional resource teachers (DCIRTs). They supplement building-level mentorship and support to ensure each new teacher can excel in their role.
“Our job is to look at all the things a teacher might need and provide the resources necessary for their success. We want teachers to feel comfortable voicing their needs so we can better assist them,” Russell said.
Regional coaches assist new teachers and help shape program offerings.
Supporting Teachers to Support Students
Through regional coaches, mentors, and the New Teacher Academy, the NTSP encourages new teachers to form connections with other staff members in their schools and across the division. With fellow educators cheering them on, beginning a career in teaching is a collaborative process, not a lonely one. This integration into the community, along with robust training through the New Teacher Academy, promotes long-term success for teachers across the division.
Over the years, the NTSP will continue to evolve to better meet the needs of emerging educators. Each new cohort of teachers will eventually become the experts who uplift those who come after them for the betterment of students across the division.
“By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning for educators, we are strengthening the future of LCS,” said LCS Director of Teaching & Learning Dr. Jennifer Davis. “When our teachers thrive, our students thrive.”