In 2016-2017, there were 68 new teachers hired by the district, and 37 of these were new to the teaching profession. The veteran and first-year teachers were comprised of classroom teachers and a media specialist and represented all school levels of elementary, middle and high.
James Sweeney, Board Chair, welcomed the group to Chesterfield County and reminded teachers they play a vital part in a student’s quest to success. The superintendent, Dr. Harrison Goodwin, shared the district’s culture of teaching and learning and emphasized that we are teaching students and not subjects. He stressed that teachers should build a relationship with their students and ensure that their basic needs are met as this is essential to the learning process. Dr. Goodwin also informed the new teachers how educating one child could potentially change future generations. Then, he presented each new teacher with a Chesterfield County School District lapel pin that displayed the district’s motto, “Excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics” and reminded the group that as school district employees, “We need to be unified, dedicated and working together to benefit all the students in Chesterfield County.”
Other topics covered at the orientation included curriculum, technology, personnel, certification, employee self-service resources, and the ADEPT process.
Todd Wallace, Business Development Officer for Founders Federal Credit Union, attended the orientation, gave gifts of appreciation to all new teachers, and sponsored the lunch for the group. The lunch, catered by Hidden Treasures, was thoroughly enjoyed by all and allowed a time for administrators and educators to share information and get acquainted.