The Contra Costa County Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment (BTSA) Induction Program congratulates the 95 new teachers who have just completed their two-year induction process, and now have been recommended for their California Professional Clear Credentials, which will be awarded through the same program.

This rigorous process of inquiry and reflection into their own teaching

practice, under the guidance of an experienced, trained mentor teacher,

helps beginning educators learn how to plan instruction, analyze student

work, and reflect on the results to improve student learning and

achievement.

“We are fortunate to have these talented new teachers in the

profession,” reports BTSA Induction & Teacher Development Coordinator

Jane Blomstrand.

The Contra Costa County Office of Education/Saint Mary's College BTSA

Induction Program (CCCOE/SMC BTSA Induction Program) program was formed more than seven years ago to support the professional growth of new teachers and the transition into teaching. BTSA is a state grant that

provides funding for new teachers in their first years of teaching. New teachers may receive a Professional Clear Teaching Credential by completing all induction requirements. For website

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The program provides training for mentors, who can then assist new teachers in their professional growth, through the use of the New

Teacher Center Formative Assessment System. Mentors in the program are full-time-classroom teachers, partial- or fully released teachers from the classroom. BTSA Mentors meet weekly with the new teachers, observe in their classrooms, and provide feedback. Support is based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Professional Teacher Induction Programs.

The CCCOE/SMC BTSA Induction Program consists of twelve school districts: Acalanes, John Swett, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda,

Pittsburg and Walnut Creek (Contra Costa County); Albany, Emery, and Piedmont (Alameda County), and the Contra Costa County Office of

Education Student Services Programs. In 2009-2010, there were 156 participating teachers (PTs) and 61 mentors. The program also collaborates with several charter and private schools in the East Bay providing a pathway for their teachers to clear their credentials.