Probationary Cohort Slides
Durham Elementary School
New Teacher Induction
Cohort Connection Session
Year 1 & 2 Probationary Teacher Cohort
Welcome, Support, & Connection | Durham Elementary
"You belong here."
Welcome to our Durham family and community.
Today's Focus
Connecting, sharing early experiences, and demystifying probationary years.
Check-In & Reflection
How is it Really Going?
Slide 2 of 6
The Glow (Win)
What is one win—big or small—that brought you joy this past month?
Examples: A student breakthrough, a smooth routine, or a supportive peer moment.
The Grow (Hard Thing)
What is one challenge, honest question, or pain point currently on your plate?
Examples: Lesson timing, pacing anxiety, grading load, or tricky transitions.
Cohort Norm: "What is shared in this room stays in this room. We are a team."
Safe Space Guarantee
Culture & Expectations
Your Voice Matters
Slide 3 of 6
Key Mindset
Being a P1/P2 teacher does not mean you have to stay quiet or pretend everything is perfect.
Ask Early
Needing help is a sign of high professional competence and self-awareness, not weakness.
Speak Up
If a school system isn't working or you need more resources, our doors are always open.
Safety First
You never need to hide mistakes. Real instructional growth happens when we problem-solve together.
You are evaluated on your growth, reflection, and responsiveness—not effortless perfection.
Growth Mindset
Observations: Coaching, Not Catching
Slide 4 of 6
The Fundamental Purpose
Feedback is designed to support your craft and students, never to serve as an evaluation trap.
Walkthroughs
Brief, low-stakes drop-ins (5–10 min) looking for instructional momentum and active student engagement.
Formal Visits
Collaborative pre-conferences, agreed-upon focus rubrics, and targeted post-observation coaching sessions.
Two-Way Dialogue
Debriefs are authentic conversations. Your classroom context, intent, and reflections are central to every score.
When an administrator enters your room: Take a breath, keep teaching, and be yourself.
Collaborative Problem Solving
What Do You Need Right Now?
Slide 5 of 6
"No question is too small—what can we solve together today?"
Curriculum & Pacing
Unit sequencing, staying on timeline, modifying materials, or finding grade-level supplements?
Classroom Routines
Managing energetic transitions, attention signals, pacing stamina, or tier-1 behavior supports?
Work-Life Boundaries
Managing prep periods, prioritizing grading, and setting sustainable cutoff times for leaving school?
The floor is yours: Share a need, ask a peer, or request direct admin support.
We Are In Your Corner
Looking Ahead
Vital Impact
You are doing deeply vital, transformative work for our Durham Elementary students and community every day.
Always Available
Schedule a 1-on-1 check-in anytime if you want individual instructional coaching, co-planning, or just a safe place to vent.
"Progress over perfection. Thank you for choosing our school!"
— Durham Elementary Leadership & Mentorship Team
