125 new teachers attend orientation for JMCSS

JACKSON, Tenn. — On Monday, 125 new teachers for the Jackson-Madison County School System began preparations for the upcoming school year.

Every new teacher for the JMCSS became the student during orientation.

“All of our new teachers to Jackson-Madison County Schools, whether they’ve taught before or not, come and we have sessions for them to introduce them to the district but also to provide support for them,” leader of professional development Rachel Levo said.

The day started with a vendor showcase and some Partners for Education, such as the Jackson-Madison County Education Association, providing information for the new teachers.

“Our association, JMCEA, we work along with the school system,” JMCEA president Jeff Davis said. “We’re not in competition, but we’re trying to work together and what we do, we advocate for our teacher.”

Monday was day one of the two-day orientation, offering four breakout sessions. Each session includes tips and teaching techniques that can be helpful for the new teachers this year.

“No. 1, feel like they’re not alone. We want them to feel supported from the first second that they walk in,” Levo said. “We also want to have fun, let them know that this is a climate or culture of growth and of support, and we want them to feel like they can walk in on day one and be ready for kids.”

Each new teacher gets a learning coach so they have the support they need to get started.

“We’re super excited. It’s always good to have a new crop of teachers,” Levo said. “They always bring excitement in, and I love that we have seasoned teachers that help them and that really can have a lot of support for them.”

Orientation for the teachers concludes Tuesday with them visiting their schools and principals.