B: Completer Support & Follow-up

Northwest provides completer support and follow-up through its Northwest Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC). The Northwest RPDC builds the capacity of educators and schools to maximize student performance through high-quality professional development. It is delivered through regional learning centers comprised of content specialists with the expertise to meet school and district needs. These teams model a collaborative, seamless learning community and facilitate goal-alike networks to promote and sustain effective schools. This work raises achievement for all students and helps close the achievement gap; increases the quality of teachers and administrators in the region; and increases reading, math, science, and social studies achievement in the region through the high-quality professional development of teachers.

The RPDC's beginning teacher assistance program provides support for first-year and second-year area teachers. Just as the quality of instruction that students receive has a tremendous impact on their performance, the quality of mentoring that new teachers receive can significantly influence their development. This system of support and optional in-district coaching provides a district with the infrastructure to develop a confident beginning teacher and capable mentor. This series meets the Initial Professional Certification (IPC) requirement of participating in a beginning teacher assistance program and aligns to the new Missouri Teacher Standards. Continued support is available for both the second-year teacher and mentor in year two of the two-year induction process. This training will aid teachers in extending their professional skills aligned to the Missouri Teacher Standards with a focus on classroom culture, 21st century learners, and student/teacher relationships.