We know that great teachers

demonstrate three important characteristics:

First, they have a belief

in the importance of education and teaching, together

with a strong sense of satisfaction in helping students

learn.

Second, great teachers

understand the importance of relationships. The adage:

"Students don't care how much you know until they

know how much you care," is the creed they live by.

Third, great teachers have

a passion for learning and the subject matter they teach.

In addition, they have the ability to motivate others to

love learning.

Finding these

characteristics in prospective teachers is the purpose

and goal of the interview and screening process. Our

district works with administrators and support staff in

the process. We also include model teaching

opportunities, thorough reference checks, and portfolios

of their teaching work to determine who best qualifies.

The best of the teacher

candidates will demonstrate the following: an early and

consistent commitment to working with children, evidence

of successful experiences working with children of

different ages and settings, and evidence that children

have learned because of their teaching.

Once new teachers have

accepted teaching contracts, we provide immediate support

and training through a mentorship program, orientation

and training, and ongoing support during their first

years of teaching. Specific staff development courses

designed especially for beginning teachers are available

in the summer after their first year.

Our school system takes the

responsibility of selecting new teachers very seriously.

Because today's decisions influence the next generation,

we try to provide the best teachers we can for our

students in Coweta County where good schools are a great

investment.

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