The North Bellmore School District welcomed 16 new educators to its professional staff Aug. 12 during a new teacher orientation at Martin Avenue Elementary School.
With the start of the school year less than three weeks away, the new teachers gathered in the school library for introductions, informational sessions and workshops designed to prepare them for the year ahead.
The orientation began with remarks from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt and Director of Education Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara. Superintendent Marie Testa introduced the new faculty members to the district’s mission statement and core values, as well as its work implementing the Portrait of a Graduate initiative.
The morning also included workshops on lesson planning and instructional technology, along with a welcome from the North Bellmore Teachers Association.
The new educators were hired following a rigorous selection process to fill positions across the district’s five elementary schools. The group includes grade-level, English as a new language, music, physical education and reading teachers, as well as a teacher for the ALPHA gifted and talented program, a psychologist and a speech-language pathologist.
In the afternoon, the teachers participated in breakout sessions with experienced educators in their respective fields.
“We’re really excited about the new teachers that we’ve selected to work with our students and hope they have long and prosperous careers in North Bellmore,” McNamara said. “We are confident that they will help us achieve our mission in creating an environment for all learners to grow and thrive.”
