Windsor’s 16 newest educators began a three-day orientation Monday, learning the priorities and processes of the district.
“Three days of foundational information for new staff so they are ready to start on the right foot and get the support they need to have a successful career here in Windsor,” said Barb Tasber, Director of Learning and Continuous Improvement.
On Monday, the teachers learned the foundations of a Professional Learning Community (PLC), where teachers share their ideas and practices to develop cycles of continuous improvement to ensure students learn.
“A big part of ensuring student learning is learning as adults. The more we learn, the more it impacts our students,” said Tasber.
The district’s latest cohort of new staff includes experienced teachers, first-time educators, and those with experience inside and outside of Windsor.
“I was looking for a change, a place where I could collaborate and use some outside-of-the-box strategies in the classroom,” said Rebecca Molloy, who will teach Social Studies at Windsor Central High School after 17 years in Whitney Point. “I came in over the summer a few times and what has really struck me is the community culture here. Someone brought in their therapy dog, and they all seem to be like family with each other. I’ve had people really look out for me, reach out to me to get me what I need to be successful, so I feel a sense of family.”
The message of the district attracted Dillia Valle, who will teach Psychology and ELA at WCHS after spending her first year teaching at New Paltz High School.
“Working as a team and preparing each type of learner for outside of high school really spoke to me. We’re reaching each learner through the different enrichment courses. There’s not just one path,” said Valle.
Emalee Hyde is a first-year teacher, but not new to the district. She spent the past few years as a secretary at Windsor Central Middle School. She will now teach ELA in 7th and 8th grades.
“The PLC community is strong. It’s nice to have all these people I can go and talk to if I have any concerns. I know they’ll have answers I might not have. My first impression is what I already knew – it’s a great community and that’s why I wanted to stay in Windsor,” said Hyde.
On Tuesday, teachers will learn more about classroom structure, instructional methods, and classroom management. The third and final day of orientation will be Tuesday, August 29th. Teachers will learn the Windsor instructional playbook which includes the five elements to ensure environments are conducive to learning: safety and relationships, goals, engagement, repertoire, and checks for understanding.