“We want to develop teachers who are devoted to their Savior and continuously pursue excellence by reflecting on their practice, who are committed and passionate Lutheran teachers for their students.” –Prof. Jon Schaefer

The statement above expresses the goals of the WELS Teaching Standards and WELS New Teacher Induction program. Administrators are an important part of that work and we want to make sure that you feel well prepared to fulfill your role. Administrators who have a first-year teacher AND who have not completed this training previously should complete the activities in the following pages.

Each page answers specific questions that administrators have asked. Click on each question to enter the appropriate page.

• Question 1: What is needed to complete this training?
• Question 2: What do I need to know about WELS New Teacher Induction (NTI) and what are my responsibilities?
• Question 3: Why is mentoring important?
• Question 4: How do I recommend the best mentor for new teachers?
• Question 5: What can and should I do to support new teachers in my building?

Please complete the activities according to your schedule, then answer for yourself the items in the Overview section.

Administrators, principals and directors, are an essential part of teacher induction and we want to make sure that you feel well prepared to fulfill your role.

All administrators who have new teachers being mentored through the WELS New Teacher Induction (NTI) program are to be knowledgeable about WELS new teacher induction before the start of the new school year if you have yet to work through this information, it should take only 1-2 hours to complete. As a former principal and director, I know how busy you are! You may stop and start as often as needed.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any other questions, concerns, or ideas you have about this program or how you can help new teachers and/or mentors.

Professor Jon Schaefer - WELS NTI Coordinator - (507) 766-9674