New Huntington Teachers Welcomed at Orientation

A group of 28 excited new Huntington School District teachers participated in an orientation program last week in preparation for what everyone hopes will be long and successful careers for the incoming faculty members.

The two-day program was filled with helpful sessions that school officials hope will get the new teachers off to a quick start with their classes. The teachers have been hired to fill various positions left vacant by resignations and retirements or in response to increased student course enrollment.

District officials provided the group with an overview of the school system and discussed the district’s mission statement. Sessions touched upon learning communities and learning patterns, professional practices and classroom management techniques, state learning standards and all of the digital tools available to enhance the educational program offered to students.

The orientation program was organized by Brenden Cusack, Huntington UFSD’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Following welcoming remarks by new Superintendent Beth McCoy, Mr. Cusack gave an informative and inspiring talk on “teaching in Huntington” that helped set the tone for the two day orientation program.

The incoming faculty members met key district administrators, including Deputy Superintendent Christopher Hender and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rubie Harris, principals and department leaders. The group gathered at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School for the program.

The new teachers also learned more about the district’s professional development program, including the Teacher Center and became familiar with Huntington’s teacher mentoring program. They even enjoyed a bus tour around the community.

Segments of the program were devoted to discussing the establishment of family partnerships, how to start the new school year successfully, effective classroom management practices, professionalism and how to go about creating meaningful lessons.

The new teachers were encouraged to: Reach out to parents during the first week of school; begin to establish routines on the first day of class; communicate clear objectives and expectations; hold students responsible for following routines and rules; build relationships with each student.

The new faculty members were asked maintain high expectations for all and to understand that strong classroom management and effective teaching practices “will lead to great outcomes for all students.”

Finally, the newest Huntington UFSD employees were encouraged to “keep calm and make a difference!”

Mr. Cusack told all of the new teachers that he is always available to them whenever a need arises.

Mrs. McCoy sent the new teachers off with closing remarks.