BY KELLI GILE
Walnut – Area educators recently gathered to celebrate a new crop of teachers that have successfully completed their credential program. 56 beginning teacher induction candidates, who just wrapped up the two-year curriculum, were recognized during the Walnut Valley BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) Colloquium, held May 15 at Royal Vista Golf Course.
The 15th annual year-end event celebrates teachers who have completed the state’s induction requirements and earned their clear credential.
BTSA teachers and support providers, along with many district and site administrators, were in attendance to support the new teachers. Each induction candidate created presentations that featured professional development and student achievement that resulted from the BTSA experience.
The Walnut Valley BTSA Consortium is comprised of seven districts: Walnut Valley, Covina Valley, East Whittier, South Whittier, Whittier City, Los Nietos and Lowell Joint. In addition, the consortium partners with several local private and charter schools and teachers whose programs do not offer a BTSA Induction program.
During each new teacher’s two-year induction program they are matched with trained mentors, known as support providers, to engage in inquiry-based effective teaching practices. New teachers meet weekly with their support providers, and also engage in regular professional development and collaboration with other new teachers in similar assignments across the seven districts.
Director Julie Sheldon credits the 130 support providers for the success of the program. “These veteran teachers are unsung heroes and the key to the success of our BTSA program,” she said.
The program strives to continually improve the quality of education for every student within the partner districts.
