At NLPS we provide beginning teachers with the resources, support and respect they need to be successful. And as teachers move forward in their career journey they are provided with many opportunities to expand their skills and embrace new challenges and roles to ensure that NLPS is a great place for them to work and for students to succeed.
Beginning Teacher Support
Support for beginning teachers can be categorized into four components:
WE WELCOME
New teachers are guided through the ‘paperwork’ process, and are contacted by school administration to welcome them to the school.
WE ORIENTATE
Teachers new to NLPS are paid to attend a one-day orientation session prior to the start of the school year in order to build connections and participate in timely professional development to prepare for the school year.
WE SUPPORT
New teachers participate in two PD Workshops/Call Back Days hosted by our Learning Consultants. New teachers are supported by the Learning Consultants throughout the year and are provided additional PD opportunities.
WE MENTOR
NLPS ensures new teachers are provided with Mentors to guide and support in the first year of teaching with the division. Mentors and new teachers are providing common collaboration time to facilitate mentoring activities.
Other supports for new teachers includes a pay advance in the first month of employment, opportunity to attend the ATA Beginning Teacher Conference, ongoing professional development, and the benefits of working in a vibrant and collaborative environment!
Staff Wellness
Healthy Living Initiative
As a Division, we place a high priority on staff wellness - in mind, body and spirit. The Division provides funding for staff for fun, interactive and healthy activities throughout the year. Schools promote healthy living by offering healthy food choices, sharing health information and providing fun activities for staff. Staff can also receive discounts at many local fitness and recreation facilities.
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Employee benefits include an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which is a confidential service designed to assist staff members and their dependents that are experiencing job-related or personal problems that affect work performance, family life and personal well-being.
Calendar
Our school calendar has been created with student and staff wellness in mind. There are plenty of long weekends, two weeks off at Christmas, and a week off in the spring to give students and staff time for self-care and to allow time to travel during the holidays. To view our current and future calendars, check out our Calendar page!
Health and Wellness Spending Accounts
Staff can choose between a Health or Wellness Spending Account to receive reimbursement for health related or wellness related purchases. And, of course, staff are provided a great benefits package.
IGNITE
In partnership with our ATA Local, NLPS hosts a system-wide event called IGNITE where all division staff gather in one location to network, share and learn from each other, as well as world-renowned guest speakers. A large portion of the workshops are presented by NLPS staff, providing an excellent opportunity for teachers to share their expertise or to learn from their peers and colleagues.
Teachers are provided with numerous opportunities to participate in other professional development throughout the course of the school year.