Ninety-five new teachers in the St. Joseph School District are being oriented to classroom technology and curriculum.

The New Teacher Institute is focused on preparing new and 1st-year teachers for the first two weeks of school. Workshops focus on learning technology, setting up the classroom, classroom management and communication with parents.

This is the seventh year for the Institute.

“Every year we take the feedback from our staff and try to make it better,” said Dr. Jaime Dial, Director of Secondary Education. “This is the first year we have made it a five-day institute and included the staff new to the District for more than one day.”

Staff new to the District spend two days at the Institute alongside brand new teachers. One of these days focuses primarily on the technology the District uses.

“It has become increasingly important that our staff understands all of the technology that we use in the classroom,” said Dr. Dial. “For instance, how do I take attendance the first day on PowerSchool? How do I set up my teacher website on SchoolWires? The Institute gives new teachers the tools to get started with technology in the classroom.”

The Institute was held three days last week, and concludes Tuesday. This year the District has 95 new teachers, with 70 being first-time teachers. School starts Monday, August 19.