Beginning Teacher Network

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.

Beginning Teacher Network Logo

picture of danette brown, professional learning specialist, danette.brown@k12.nd.us or call at 701-997-5725

three pictures of teachers engaging in beginning teacher network activities

"I feel like I have learned a lot, been given ample amounts of resources, examples, websites, handouts - all of which I keep near when planning and preparing (and have shared with other teachers in my school." - Elementary Teacher - William S. Gussner, Jamestown

"Thank you for this experience. I love the thought process involved and how this helps me have a clear picture and plan. I will definitely use this often next year." - Anonymous

"I thought the training session was a great use of time, especially being able to chat with and learn from others who are in a similar position that I am." - Secondary Teacher - Ellendale

"I learned different ways of communicating with parents - some of which I have never thought of and discovered some really great ideas I wish to implement in the future! " - Anonymous

pyramid of supports split into four levels with the largest at the bottom as induction for beginning teachers, the next level up is North Dakota RISE, the one above that Beginning teacher network, and the top one coaching read about each level of support below

beginning teacher network has ended for this school year. Check back soon for next year's offerings! Available for first and second-year teachers. btn is funded through a grant provided by the ND teacher support system

Pyramid of Supports

Coaching

Additional coaching is available for our beginning teachers. Please contact Danette Brown for pricing models.

coaching - click to contact Danette Brown at danette.brown@k12.nd.us

Induction for Beginning Teachers

Click the Induction Supports graphic to access the complete support document.

2024 Induction Supports

Beginning Teacher Network

SEEC's Beginning Teacher Network (BTN) will be designed to support ongoing professional development offerings to new educators, providing them opportunities throughout the year to enhance classroom practices. The program will seek to provide first-year educators with experiences to engage in dialogue, seek support and guidance, and reflect on strategies and skills to build upon and improve instruction.  Our network will strive to meet every teacher where they are and work with them to build on their skills and day-to-day successes in the classroom.

BTN will provide support in three targeted areas: Classroom Management; Effective Teaching Practices; and Content-Specific PLC Support Sessions. Through the networking opportunities, educators will build trust and support, inspire creative thinking, gain access to resources, ides, and supports and more all to enhance their classroom practices and create rich and meaningful experiences for the students they serve. To register for the Beginning Teacher Network, click here!

ND RISE

NDRISE works to build the capacity of teacher leaders to develop a system of support for effective teachers in every school in our state.  They offer a statewide structured mentoring program aimed at supporting beginning teachers to be more effective in the classroom, more confident in their classroom management, more satisfied with their career choice, and increases their retention in the teaching field.

There is no cost for schools or districts. This is a program that is supported by state and federal funding to be able to offer equitable support to all beginning teachers in our state. Additionally trained mentors from the district receive: a leadership opportunity, professional training, and a stipend each semester for completed requirements.

First and second-year teachers engage in one-on-one conferencing (15 hours/semester), observations (4 times/semester), and observe other educators (6 hours/fall semester & 3 hours/spring semester) as part of the requirements. To learn more or to enroll a first or second-year educator in your system, head to Welcome to ND RISE | North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

Resources