Human Resources - Beginning Teachers

Federal Way’s Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) provides essential support to new teachers during their first, second and third year of teaching. The program expanded in the 2009/2010 school year with a grant from the State of Washington's Beginning Education Support Team (BEST) Program. The BEST program also supports teachers seeking professional certification.

With the grant funding, the district has built a comprehensive induction program to support professional growth of beginning teachers from initial hiring, to their first year in the classroom through the third year of teaching.  The program combines mentor support, classes, professional learning communities, and professional certification preparation for novice teachers during their first three years.

The program builds on the previous two decades of work in the district and across the state funded by the Teacher Assistance Program.

Each participating teacher is paired with a mentor who becomes a valuable resource throughout the school year. Typically, BTAP provides 12 or more hours of confidential and non-evaluative support from an experienced teacher. These valuable partnerships include observations utilizing the Cognitive Coaching Model: planning conferences, focused observations as pre-determined by the beginning teacher, and reflecting conferences. Beginning teacher/mentor conversations help teachers reflect on teaching strategies and their impact on student learning.

From preparing for the first days of school, to suggestions for working with parents, to moral support if the going gets rough – mentors assist novice teachers in building a foundation for a successful school year.

“I feel so fortunate to be in a district that is willing to invest resources into supporting new teachers. I was terrified that as a ‘newbie,’ I’d be floating off all alone- this has really helped me transition from a student teacher to a full-time teacher with confidence. Just knowing support is available makes a huge difference.” - Grade 9 Teacher

• Weekly support from a BTAP Cadre Mentor
• Participation in a Professional Learning Community
• Opportunity to visit an exemplary colleagues’ classes
• BTAP Year 1 classes from 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm on
  • Thursday, 9/24/09
  • Thursday, 10/22/09
  • Thursday, 1/14/10
  • Thursday, 3/18/10
  • Thursday, 5/27/10

• 12-15 hours of support from an in-building mentor
• Participation in a Professional Learning Community
• Opportunity to visit an exemplary colleagues’ classes
• BTAP Year 1 classes from 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm on Wednesdays,
  • Wednesday, 10/21/09
  • Wednesday, 11/18/09
  • Wednesday, 1/13/10  
  • Wednesday, 3/24/10
  • Wednesday, 5/19/10 

• Teachers will be invited to organize and participate in PLCs.
• Professional Certification Candidates attend in-district classes offered in partnership with Seattle Pacific University.