New teacher articles

You may not realize it, but as a candidate for a professional teaching certificate you will need to provide proof of three years of teaching experience. This information isn’t automatically reported to the New York State Education Department by your school. You’ll have to gather your proof and submit it.

Whether you are a teaching rookie or have a few years of classroom experience under your belt, this is the time to lay a solid foundation for a secure retirement and more.

Do you expect to be up for tenure? If so, become familiar with the Department of Education’s new Tenure Decision-making Framework. The new framework, which was introduced in the 2010-2011 school year, guides principals in making tenure decisions. There are important changes to be aware of.

Teaching can feel like an isolating experience, especially for newer teachers. But there’s no need to feel alone. In fact, reaching out to others in your school community — parents, paraprofessionals, colleagues — is a good way to create support systems for yourself and enlist allies in the education of your students. Read more for suggestions on creating connections right in your school.

As busy as you are at this time with grades, report cards and other classroom responsibilities, leave time in June to take care of items that could affect your professional and economic future.

Why are there so many different paths to state certification? The state provides alternative routes to give prospective teachers greater flexibility, and that’s a good thing. But if new teachers don’t know which type of certificate they have and don’t understand the requirements and meet their deadlines, they could get into trouble.

Whether you are a teaching rookie or already have a few years of classroom experience under your belt, it’s important that you make time for a few simple steps that will help you build a substantial financial future through the benefits you enjoy from membership in the Teachers’ Retirement System.

A new school year is both exciting and daunting — full of the hope and promise of a fresh start and the fear of the unknown — for teachers, students, parents and the whole school community.

Tens of thousands of newer teachers may be missing out on some valuable benefits and important protections because they have not enrolled in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) or provided the TRS with other vital information.