DAVIS COUNTY—Schools in the Davis School District started on Monday and so did 200 plus new secondary and elementary teachers, counselors and special education teachers. To kick the year off, the district held a New Teacher Orientation event Aug. 5 at Farmington High where teachers could attend classes to help them prepare for the upcoming school year.

“We’ve done an excellent job recruiting and hiring new teachers in the Davis School District,” said Allison Riddle, Elementary Induction Coordinator Teacher Academy Schools Coordinator. “We’ll have a few new openings pop up as more families move in. Some kindergarteners came in and registered late so we’ll have five to six new hires.”

Many of those hired came from Weber State and Utah State Universities, she said. “Their programs are outstanding. We also hire from online schools such as Western Governors. We have new teachers coming to CTE (Career and Technical Education) in their second career as well.”

They go through our alternative licensure program APPEL (Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License), said Riddle. “They have to have a bachelor’s to be eligible to be hired. For example, someone has a business degree and they want to teach they can get temporary credentials and then we help them for the next couple of years.”  

They have a mentor that works with them, she said. “They have to apply with the state and provide a transcript of the bachelor’s, complete a background check, etc. The process helps us get quality people.”

There are modules they have to complete to get an endorsement, Riddle said. “It’s important to show what they have an expertise in and their competency. Sometimes they have to take exams and classes.”

The orientation focused on great practices for teachers, said Riddle. “It covered things like class management and setting up a classroom. For elementary teachers the classes showed them how to navigate emotions and engagement strategies. They also got to tour the district’s new buses.”

It was a wonderful session, she said. “People work tirelessly at the district level to show them support. Teaching can be isolating. They provide a support group for new teachers to lean on seasoned teachers who can give them resources and the latest practices they’re using.”

New teachers go to the support groups five times a year, Riddle said. “We really embrace the year one teachers in classes, etc.”

Some schools have split classes such as fourth and fifth grades combined. “In my 26 years of teaching I’ve never had a split class,” said Riddle. “Principals have to be very mindful to create the split. The majority of students are those who can work independently but there are still a variety of levels.”

Teachers in split classes have enjoyed it, she said. “It gives them a chance to shake things up a bit and depend on their colleagues. Principals have to choose teachers who are highly effective, organized and good at communicating and collaborating.”

New teachers should know they accepted a job in an incredible district, Riddle said. “I’m excited and proud of our district and we love celebrating them.”