K-12 New Teacher Network

A unique teacher program that provides resources and support to educators new to the profession. FREE for 2023-2024 school year!

Help Your New Teachers Thrive

We know teachers are among a school’s most precious and valuable resources, so of course we want to set them up for success. But an individual school can only do so much. And new teachers don’t always feel comfortable seeking support from their in-house peers. So, we’re bringing new teachers together by offering them a supportive network and individualized guidance so they can thrive in their new roles!

Register your new teachers for this innovative PD program today — FREE for the 2023-2024 school year. Plus, Michigan teachers can earn up to 5 SCECHs!

Over 50% of teachers leave education within their first five years, but a recent study shows first-year turnover is cut by more than half with mentoring, collaboration, extra resources, and a strong teacher network.

Flexible PD Program for Busy New Teachers

VAI’s New Teacher Network allows beginning teachers to receive the targeted support they need as they get started in the profession. By learning great content, sharing their experiences, and receiving validation from their network, teachers can grow as people and as professionals.

We know teachers are busy, especially new teachers, so VAI’s New Teacher Network offers a variety of modalities for learning.

Every Registration Includes:

Online meetings

These one-hour online meetings offer an opportunity for this inclusive community of new teachers to learn with and from one another. We’ll focus on those topics most critical to new teacher success:

Spring 2024

  • January 16 | 4-5 PM EST | Classroom Management (1 SCECH)
  • February 20 | 4-5 PM EST | Authentic Learning (1 SCECH)
  • March 19 | 4-5 PM EST | Engagement Strategies  (1 SCECH)
  • April 16 | 4-5 PM EDT | Avoiding Burnout (1 SCECH)
  • May 14 | 4-5 PM EDT | Social Emotional Learning (1 SCECH)

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Monthly curated resources

VAI’s New Teacher Network newsletter curates practical resources and offers advice for how the resources can save new teachers time and elevate their instructional effectiveness.

Ongoing coaching and mentorship

Between sessions, teachers will have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with a knowledgeable and experienced educator, who can answer their questions and share ideas about the specific challenges they are encountering.

Built-in accountability

Each session will include an action plan for teachers to make targeted decisions on how to put the newly-learned content to use right away.

Our Approach

Teachers need a network of other educators who, like them, are braving this career for the first time. That’s where we come in. VAI’s New Teacher Network creates an inclusive community that:

Are you ready to reimagine new teacher training and support?

Hurry! To keep the communal feeling, space is limited to 40 participants. VAI’s New Teacher Network is valued at $300/teacher, but we’re offering it FREE this school year in exchange for feedback on the program.

If you have questions or these dates don’t work for you, please fill out this form and let us know. We may be able to work with you!

At Van Andel Institute for Education, our mission is to create classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. We NEVER want cost to be a prohibiting factor in quality education for students or teachers. If price ever becomes an issue, please let us know. We may be able to help!