New Teacher Support
In addition to educating the bright young minds of Shafter, teachers who are just beginning their journey into the profession are faced with a multitude of additional tasks, responsibilities, and professional obligations in order to obtain a Clear Teaching Credential. The Richland School District is dedicated to providing support and mentoring to our newest teachers as they navigate their first few years. We also ensure that our Inductees reach the expectations of the structured program required for their Clear Credential.
As the Induction and Intern Mentor, Cassie Underwood, provides support to our newest teachers through individual meetings, group collaborations, coordinated support, and in-class observations, all of which include a combination of structured, responsive, and proactive support. Structured support utilizes the formative assessment tools provided by KCSOS to meet the requirements of the Induction Program. Responsive support provides mentoring for our teachers' 'in-the-moment' needs such as lesson planning, classroom management, resource discovery, and finding answers and solutions to questions and concerns. Proactive support is offered in anticipation of the needs of our newest teachers, providing resources and direction appropriate to district and site expectations.
Cassie Underwood is a graduate of Shafter High School (1987), and CSUB, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Public Administration (1991). From National University, she holds a Master's in Educational Curriculum (2014) and an Educational Administration Credential (2013). Cassie started her teaching career with Richland in 2005. She has worked as an Elementary teacher at Golden Oak and Redwood, an administrator at Sequoia, and a District-Wide EDI Coach for all 3 elementaries, including Richland Junior High. Cassie now puts her experience to work as a mentor for our first and second year teachers, as they manage the path toward their Clear Credential.
For information on California Teacher Induction please click HERE.