“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. Administrators are an important part of that work, and we want to ensure that you feel well-prepared to fulfill your role. Administrators with first-year teachers AND who have yet to review this information previously can go through the following linked pages for answers.

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 review the information as there is a need, then answer for yourself the items in this 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 WELS New Teacher Induction (NTI) are to be knowledgeable about 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 read everything. As a former principal and director, I know how busy you are! You may stop and start as often as needed and use what is most helpful.

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

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