Robeson County School Board reviews updates to beginning teacher support program

The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss various updates and initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational environment for beginning teachers. The meeting featured a presentation by Jamal Campbell from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI), who provided insights into the recent technical assistance visit conducted on March 21 by Dr. Casey Cottree.

Campbell outlined several key updates made to the beginning teacher support program, emphasizing the district's commitment to improving teacher development. The updates included comprehensive training for principals and academic coaches, the establishment of a monitoring system to track the progress of new teachers, and regular communication of this progress to school leaders.

Additionally, Campbell highlighted the importance of mentor support, noting that academic coaches are actively engaged in mentoring roles and are reminded of their responsibilities during professional learning community meetings. On-site monitoring visits by human resources were also implemented to ensure that beginning teachers receive adequate instructional leadership support.

Monthly meetings for beginning teachers have been established to address topics of interest based on feedback from previous surveys, and district-level administrators are working closely with principals to tailor support to the specific needs of beginning teachers.

Campbell concluded by expressing optimism about the progress being made and reaffirmed the district's dedication to fostering a skilled teaching workforce. He emphasized that investing in beginning teachers is crucial for securing a bright future for students and the community.

The meeting proceeded without questions following Campbell's presentation, reflecting a focused discussion on the ongoing efforts to enhance educational support within the district. The board's commitment to these initiatives signals a proactive approach to teacher development and student success in Robeson County.