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Middleborough highlights two‑day 'Staff Strong' induction amid hiring gaps
Summary
The district presented Staff Strong, a two‑day induction pairing 22 new hires with mentors; presenters and the superintendent also discussed current vacancies across grade levels and ongoing retention efforts.
At the Aug. 15 meeting the district presented Staff Strong, a two‑day induction and mentoring program for new educators. Presenters Kate Hu (secondary mentor coordinator) and Colleen Randall (elementary mentor coordinator) said Staff Strong paired each of 22 new hires with experienced mentors and included presentations from district staff and partner organizations.
"Staff Strong is our district induction and orientation program for our new educators in Middleboro," Kate Hu said, describing the program's two full days and the mentor pairing. Presenters said the district welcomed 14 new mentors and 15 returning mentors this year and provided resource packets and a copy of Choice Words to each new hire.
Superintendent Mrs Lions followed with a hiring update and retention concerns. She listed current vacancies across the district, including a high‑school history teacher, several paraprofessional (ESP) openings, math and science positions at the middle school, and a district coordinator of nursing and a secondary English‑learner teacher. The superintendent said some openings reflect internal promotions but voiced concern that "the number of people leaving the profession" is notable, and noted teacher retention will be a personal focus of her goals.
The presentation emphasized mentor training (an asynchronous summer module plus in‑person sessions), ongoing mentor supports during the school year and community partnerships that supplied meals during Staff Strong. Committee members asked about mentor training and expressed support for the program.
