What new teacher supports are most useful, and which are lacking, at the High Tech High Village?
At High Tech High, much of the students’ success in the classroom, especially given the project-based learning environment, is dependent upon the teacher’s ability to effectively facilitate a motivating and engaging learning environment. Usually, It takes several years working at HTH for teachers to really perfect the craft of working in a project-based learning environment. In the past six years working for High Tech High, I have been able to observe many new teachers experience their first year as a teacher in a fast-paced project-based learning environment; from the day that teachers enter our school and take part in a day-long hiring bonanza throughout their first year crash course in things like Digital Portfolios, Presentations of Learning, and daily morning meetings. Though all teachers experience their first year at HTH differently, there tends to be a difficult adjustment period for everyone that involves doubt, growth, feelings of success, and feelings of frustration. I am curious to know how we can best support these teachers.