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AOL,
Bank Street, UFT & NYU Help New Educators
By
Pola Rosen, Ed.D.
Judith
Rizzo, Deputy Schools Chancellor, recently spoke at “The New Educator
Support Team” (NEST) event, launched by a collaboration of AOL,
the Bank Street College of Education, the UFT and New York University
to ensure the success of new teachers. The NEST project will support,
develop and retain new teachers. A team in each school consisting
of experienced teachers, administrators, principals, a NEST facilitator,
and UFT reps will provide plans and a program of activities. According
to Rizzo, this initiative is one of several that helps align standards
with assessments. “We are a standards driven system and therefore
have to use every resource to make sure the standards are followed.”
The focus on new teachers is particularly important because, as
Rizzo indicated, they are vulnerable. The point of NEST is to
make knowledge known, “not to keep it a secret. This model makes
sense to me. This is the answer.”
Responses from the group in attendance were varied and interesting.
While principal Joseph Tedesco, PS 89, Bronx spoke about the “brain
drain” the flight of new teachers to the suburbs because of higher
salaries, Superintendent Joyce Coppin cited that “reward and recognition
are important. NEST will allow colleagues to take the time to
talk to each other and to be creative. Educators are not just
after money.”
NYU Professor Anthony quipped that there are three lies we hear
in life: “Darling I love you, The check is in the mail, and I’m
an administrator and I’m here to help you.” NEST, he indicated
will make schools welcome places for new teachers. One principal
from the Bronx cited the importance of her school’s retreats each
fall and at the end of the year for new and old teachers. Curriculum
is developed and important bonds are forged. This year, 27 out
of 28 teachers returned to her school.#
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
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