Ensuring teachers stay in the profession — especially in the middle of a teacher shortage — requires essential support, strategies, and skills that a diverse group of mentors and coaches will learn at the 2024 THRIVE Mentor Institute, a two-day professional learning conference that has invited Dr. Stephanie Cawthon to present.
Her presentation, Access is More than Accommodations, will focus on establishing a better understanding of the disabled student experience and building a culture of accessibility in classrooms and learning environments.
Addressing a Crisis
Contributing to the teacher shortage is a crisis in teacher retention in the United States. In Texas, as many as 50% of early career teachers leave the profession within the first five years of teaching.
The number one issue? Feeling overwhelmed, which was most cited by those who had recently left teaching.
Texas Education THRIVE strives to ensure successful and productive careers in education by expanding support and resources for early and mid-career teachers. A comprehensive educational initiative through the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin, it provides mentorship, practical insights, and a robust support system to navigate the landscape of public education, improve district communications, and boost retention.
About the THRIVE Mentor Institute
Texas Education THRIVE is hosting the professional learning conference on May 29-30 at UT Austin for mentors and coaches of new teachers. The goals of the conference include:
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Center the experience of early career teachers
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Feature keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and panels for participants to gain valuable strategies to enhance their coaching and mentoring skills
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Connect teachers, mentors, campus and district instructional staff, building and district leaders, and educational researchers