Cultivating a Community of Lifelong Learners Through Continuous Reflection and Collaboration
The Napa County Office of Education Teacher Induction Consortium includes public, private, and charter schools within Napa county, and is an approved educator preparation program for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The purpose of the Napa County Teacher Induction Program is to “cultivate a community of lifelong learners through continuous collaboration and reflection.”
Teacher Induction is grounded in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (external website, new window) and enables beginning teachers to make a smooth transition into the challenging responsibilities of the profession by partnering with an effective and experienced mentor. Teacher Induction programs have proven to increase the retention of beginning teachers and improve learning opportunities for their TK-12 students by providing extensive support and professional learning through coaching.
Napa County Teacher Induction Program
Napa County Teacher Induction provides a two year program to clear both General Education and Education Specialist preliminary credentials. The focus of the program is on teacher growth with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession alongside a dedicated and skilled mentor. For more information on Program requirements, view “Candidate Requirements”.
For information regarding enrollment in Napa County Teacher Induction Program, please reach out to the Program Assistant, Lambert Chambers-Hernandez.
Candidate Requirements
- Employment in a teaching position
- Valid California Preliminary teaching credential (Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist, Designated Subject)
- Completed application (contact your employer Human Resources department to apply)
Course and Fieldwork
- Employment in a teaching position matching your credential area
Individualized coaching - Self-assessment of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs)
- Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) based on personal professional growth goals
- Professional learning, networking and inquiry in support of the ILP
- One hour per week (minimum) of coaching support
- Electronic portfolio of CSTP evidence, inquiry, and self-assessment
- Attendance and completion of all required induction activities
If the concern is not resolved, the grievance shall be submitted, in writing, through the NCOE Grievance Form and submitted to the Program Manager. The Program Manager will conduct an investigation and meet with all parties within 10 working days of receipt of the complaint. Following the investigation, the Program Manager will send a written response to the complainant. If unresolved, the written complaint will be submitted to the Induction Advisory Board for review and response. A copy of all documentation related to the grievance will be kept on file.
“Grievance Process” (new window) – PDF (pages 24-26 in Handbook)
“Grievance Form” (new window) – PDF (page 27)
What is Induction?
Induction is a 2 year program, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), offered to clear preliminary California teaching credentials. Induction programs provide on-site, job embedded mentoring to support growth in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs). The focus of induction is on mentoring and support and begins the first year of teaching.
Who is eligible for Napa County Teacher induction Program?
Teachers holding a preliminary teaching credential (General Education and Education Specialists), and are employed part or full time as a teacher of record in Napa County. If you have questions about the status of your California credential(s) or the renewal requirements, please visit www.ctc.ca.gov to view your credential information.
How do I enroll in Induction?
If eligible, your employer’s Human Resources department will provide you with a welcome packet, including:
- Welcome Letter
- Candidate Application for enrollment
- Informational Flyer
- Calendar of Induction Sessions
What does the Napa County Teacher Induction Program provide?
- On-site, job embedded mentoring from a skilled mentor
- Opportunity to engage in meaningful inquiry related to your teaching assignment
- Non-evaluative and confidential relationship with a program mentor
- Collegial connections with a community of educators
- Strategic and self-selected professional development to promote growth in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs)
- Release time to observe and collaborate with experienced educators
- Guidance toward completion of all Professional Clear Credential requirements
What are the requirements for completion?
- Meet weekly with your assigned mentor
- Record and collect evidence of growth in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession through inquiry, observation, and self-assessment
- Complete a successful Exit Interview at the end of the program
How am I assigned a mentor?
Induction program staff works with the employer and site supervisory staff to collaborate on the most effective mentor match. Several factors are considered, including:
- Candidate and mentor assigned on the same site
- Candidate/mentor credential match
- Mentor understanding of candidate assignment/context
- Mentor capacity to offer regular on-site support
If a candidate has a preferred mentor match, they may share this interest with staff for consideration. Mentor matches are made within 30 days of candidate enrollment to insure appropriate support. If a mentor match is not ideal, either candidate or mentor may initiate file a grievance for review. The grievance policy, procedures, and form are provided on page 25 of the handbook.
When does induction take place?
The induction year runs from late August to May. New cohorts begin in the Fall of each academic year. Please reference our calendar of sessions for exact dates.
When is the cutoff for registering for the Napa County Teacher Induction program?
Registration for induction closes on October 1st of the participating year. There is not an option to start the program midyear, and we do not admit new participants in the spring semesters.
I participated in Induction before but did not complete the program, what do I do?
You will need to contact the program you were previously enrolled in to obtain a letter of verification detailing the completed components of the program. This record should be shared with our Program Assistant, Lambert Chambers-Hernandez, and submitted with your application for enrollment.
Napa County Office of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. State and federal law and Napa County Office of Education policy prohibit discrimination or sexual harassment toward students or staff during any educational activity. Napa County Office of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, age, or handicap in its educational programs, activities, or the employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, the Age Discrimination Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Vocational; Educational Act. For information concerning the complaint procedure, call (707) 253-6810.