Supporting New Teachers in a Growing Learning Community: The New Educator Orientation Project at Leland Middle School.

This paper describes the New Educator Orientation Project at Leland Middle School, North Carolina. Created by a collaboration between school faculty and faculty from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, this inquiry project was intended to develop an interactive orientation manual and accompanying CD-ROM for new faculty joining the teaching team that would support their membership in the existing community of learners. The purpose of this collaboration was to create a more systemic, site-specific approach that would support new teachers in ways that would positively influence their attitudes and beliefs about teaching, their role as educators, and their place in a learning community. An inquiry project was conducted to examine all faculty members' perceptions and develop a dynamic orientation plan. A hard copy manual was produced that provided numerous types of technical and procedural supports (e.g., faculty and staff listings, teacher use items, central office information, and technology information). A CD-ROM was also developed to provide information on teachers. There was an orientation breakfast for new and experienced teachers to familiarize new teachers with the school facility and personnel. Feedback indicated that the manual and CD-ROM were very helpful to both new and experienced teachers. (SM)