Induction is the foundation of teacher learning and development. This 2.5 week experience takes place in the summer (July). The goal of Induction is for teachers to be prepared to set up a strong classroom culture, establish routines and procedures and begin the work of planning and internalizing aligned lessons.

Instructional coaching is the cornerstone of the Teaching Excellence program.  Each Teaching Excellence Instructional Coach works with a cohort of about 17 teachers. The relatively small size of each cohort allows for frequent and regular touch points throughout the year. Through observations and debriefs and a variety of other methods, Instructional Coaches provide individualized support tailored to the specific needs of their teachers.

An immense amount of learning must take place to become an effective teacher.  While Induction lays the foundation, learning must continue over the course of the year. Teachers participate in Professional Learning Saturdays (PLS) once a month to continue developing their knowledge and skills in instructional best practices aligned to their developmental trajectory. These experiences provide opportunities not only for teachers to become aware of best practices, but to actually practice and implement these practices in their work.  

Professional Learning Modules (PLMs) provide teachers with exposure to a wide range of topics connected to their learning and PLS.  These experiences are self-guided with exceptional feedback from the teacher's Instructional Coach. These experiences ensure teachers are receiving impactful feedback aligned to their developmental needs as a teacher.  

The core development experiences listed above serve two purposes. First, they provide multiple avenues for novice teachers to master the foundational elements of teaching. Second, with Formal Admission, each experience contributes to the requirements necessary to obtain a standard teaching certificate in the state of Texas. With guidance on timelines, test preparation and costs associated with certification, Teaching Excellence has a team dedicated to providing individualized updates and progress monitoring towards obtaining full Texas teacher licensure.  

We believe that building a strong classroom requires in-person, practice-based learning that includes follow-up and feedback from an experienced and knowledgeable Instructional Coach with a proven track-record in the classroom and as a teacher educator. Our Instructional Coaches partner with our teachers to assess their effectiveness based on how students are performing in their classrooms in real time. By taking a data-driven approach, we ensure that teachers are aware of students' needs and support the adjustment of instruction accordingly.  

Teaching Excellence acknowledges and actively promotes mindsets that are culturally responsive to the needs of the communities, families and students our teachers serve. The following mindsets guide Teaching Excellence's framework for preparing and developing teachers:

• We joyfully love and care about students, families and communities and view them as equal partners.
• We are passionate about the practice of teaching and our work in this profession.
• We are humble and willing to learn and grow.
• We believe education and individual educators impact lives.
• We are authentic role models and everything we do has an impact.
   

Instructional Coaches assist teachers in building the skills needed to be a leader inside and outside the classroom. We encourage teachers to advocate for themselves and their students. Over the course of the year, instructional Coaches support teachers in becoming reflective practitioners who propel their own growth in the classroom.

Teaching Excellence's core purpose is to accelerate teacher effectiveness. We believe that exceptional coaching and professional development are the catalysts for this accelerated growth. Teaching Excellence's Instructional Coaches partner with system-wide staff and campus Instructional Leaders to align feedback and support. It is this aligned feedback that drives teachers to implement best practices, which results in student achievement.