Welcome Week | August 4 - Aug 7, 2025
During this week new-to-ºÚÁϹÙÍø teachers, librarians, and elementary counselors come together for professional learning, to network, and to participate in whole group and cohort settings. This week, which is required, focuses on supporting attendees in getting acquainted with curricula, district practices, and district systems. It also serves as a district welcome celebration and year kick off for attendees. We look forward to seeing all new-to-ºÚÁϹÙÍø educators this year as we kick off another great school year in Austin ISD.
What does professional learning and support look like for a new-to-ºÚÁϹÙÍø teacher or campus instructional staff throughout the school year?
Professional Learning
Austin ISD offers a variety of professional learning opportunities for new-to-ºÚÁϹÙÍø educators. These learning opportunities are designed to meet a variety of essential instructional needs, supporting individual professional learning goals that can be attained at the educator’s own pace and level. Learning sessions/events are for anyone new to the profession with a certification or under a district permit, however, they are also open to any seasoned educator. The learning sessions vary in form from synchronous to asynchronous learning and are found on the district’s Human Capital Platform (HCP).
Support
Every new-to-ºÚÁϹÙÍø educator is provided a cohort to start the year with. In their cohort educators receive guidance for the year and get their job-alike questions answered. In addition, teachers with 2yrs or less of classroom experience receive a dedicated campus mentor. This mentor is also a teacher who walks alongside their mentee throughout the year.
Similarly, many novice teachers in the district have access to additional instructional support systems such as the Texas Education THRIVE program through the College of Education at UT Austin, and campus-based Instructional Coaches. All these supports work directly with teachers to help them meet their needs and reach their individual professional learning goals.