BTSA

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : August : 19

BTSA
By Carol

New teachers in my district were encouraged to be part of BTSA(Beginning Teacher's Support). I was lucky in the fact that my support teacher thought the paperwork was a waste of time and we didn't do much of it. She called
me often and observed me a few times- never to critique, but to look for specific things that I suggested, and was always a phone call away when I had questions that needed answers. She was very helpful and supportive, just what you need in your first year. Unfortunately, another new teacher at my school had the head of the BTSA program for our District as her support provider and since

she did this full time, my friend had to endure weekly observations and lots of structured reports. Guess I lucked out! Although they are now telling us the program is for 2 years not 1!!
The COMP(classroom management) training would have been more helpful before the school year started instead of Fall & Spring classes, but I did get 8 units of credit for them and a small monetary stipend and the end of the year plus $100 to spend in my classroom. All in all I would say it has been a good experience if you can be assured they are there to support you and not make you do alot of extra paperwork. Good Luck!