On behalf of the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program staff, it is my privilege to welcome you. Teaching is an increasingly complex and demanding profession. As professional educators, we hold the educational lives of children in our hands. We make a difference! The first years of teaching are especially challenging to new teachers. Transitioning from another state to CA is challenging as well. BTSA is designed to support and assist you during your first two years of teaching.
Our goal is to help those of you who are new teachers make a successful transition from student teaching, through your first year and expand the quality of instruction into your second year. Those of you who may have teaching experience in another state, rest assured, we will honor your prior experience as we assist you in your transition to teaching in CA. We'll support you as you learn CA Frameworks and standards and as you come to know the MCS way. BTSA helps all of our participating teachers to self-assess and grow from wherever you are as a teacher using your students, your curriculum, and your needs. No matter how good and successful we are, we can always be better! There is no cost to participate except an investment of your time, and a willingness to work confidentially with a support provider (SP) who will be assigned to assist and guide you through the BTSA process.
Participating teachers will meet at seminars and grade-alike meetings to discuss share and learn new ideas or strategies. You will have access to your support provider at any time to help you with ideas, problem solving, and curriculum. You will have weekly contact with your support provider. They will check in with you, see how things are going, help you with any needs you identify, celebrate your successes, and guide you in self-assessing and improving your practice. And, remember, it is a confidential relationship just to support you!
For participating in the BTSA, you will have the optional opportunity to earn five extended education units through CSU Stanislaus at a current cost of $40 per unit. These units can be used for salary advancement. Other optional classes are offered for units during the year as well!
BTSA participants will be given $200 to spend on classroom materials and professional books.
Statistics show that up to 50% of teachers quit within the first five years of teaching. The good news is that those who participate in the BTSA program do succeed and stay in teaching at a rate of closer to 97%!
I'm looking forward to meeting you all!! Our first BTSA seminar is being held soon. You’ll be receiving an agenda in the mail and your SP will contact you to schedule to attend with you. I’ll go over all of the information about BTSA in detail then. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me or my secretary, Peggy van den Enden at 576-4934. If you haven’t already, you will be hearing from your SP shortly.
Sincerely,
Vicki Stewart, BTSA Coordinator