Research clearly shows that the quality of the teacher in the classroom has a great effect on student achievement. In order to become as effective as possible, every first-year teacher deserves the support of their principal and colleagues and, in addition, a trained mentor who works in close proximity to the new teacher, a trained mentor who works in the same content area or grade level as the new teacher (the previous two may be the same person), and the support of other beginning teachers.

Professional Growth, Collegial Dialogue, Support & Guidance for 1st Year Teachers!
SEEC's Beginning Teacher Network (BTN) is a professional development program that offers new educators an opportunity for support and collaboration in order to enhance classroom practices. The program seeks to provide first-year educators with an opportunity for professional growth, collegial dialogue, support and guidance. BTN meetings provide a face-to-face forum for discussing topics that arise from the teachers' day-to-day practices. BTN provides support in THREE targeted areas:

Classroom Management; Effective Teaching Practices; and Content-Specific PLC Support Sessions

BTN is funded through a grant provided by the N.D. Teacher Support System.