New Teacher Program

The Newly Hired Teacher Program (NTP) initiates professional learning in the San Mateo Union High School District, onboarding new educators with key instructional priorities aligned to the SMUHSD District Equity Mission and Vision. The program strengthens teacher learning in culturally sustaining classroom management, humanizing pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, and academic language production. Each newly hired educator is paired with an Instructional Coach, who serves as a thought partner and guide for reflective practice. Participation in NTP workshops also fulfills some requirements for permanent status within SMUHSD.

As part of SMUHSD’s comprehensive support program for newly hired teachers, a series of required workshops is designed to build a strong foundation in inclusive, effective, and equity-centered teaching practices.

The ESMART Goals for Educator Evaluation Workshop, held after school, introduces teachers to the district’s evaluation system and supports them in developing professional growth goals.

Several full-day, district-funded release workshops are also included: Universal Design for Learning (in partnership with author and consultant Andratesha Fritzgerald) focuses on designing accessible and engaging instruction for all learners; Strong Foundations for Humanizing Classrooms—required for all teachers in their first four years—centers on fostering equitable, student-centered learning environments.

Additional workshops include Culturally Sustaining & Humanizing Pedagogy, Academic Literacy Support in the Content Area, and Student-Centered Learning Spaces (Digital and Physical). Substitutes for all full-day sessions are paid for by SMUHSD.