Rockwood Welcomes More Than 110 New Educators at New Teacher Orientation

Rockwood School District welcomed more than 110 new educators, including Special School District instructors, during New Teacher Orientation at Marquette High from Aug. 5-7.

Our newest educators met with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain, members of central office staff and departmental administrators. They participated in icebreakers and team-building activities and received valuable tools and information for supporting students.

The orientation was an opportunity for all new teachers to get acclimated to the Rockwood School District.

“First of all, welcome to the Rockwood family,” Cain shared. “I believe you're going to be an exceptional group to add to the phenomenal teaching faculty that we have in the school district, and you'll never be alone. As I said earlier, I really encourage folks, if you have any questions along the way, not just week one, not just day one, but for the entirety of your time in the district, please reach out. We’d be more than happy to be of assistance."

Dr. Keri Skeeters, director of curriculum and professional learning, Abby Smith, coordinator of professional learning and Lori Vollmer, administrative assistant of curriculum and professional learning, organized the three-day event.

“Lean in the collaborative opportunities,” Skeeters said on the first day of orientation. “We’re here for you. We depend on each other.”

Smith said she hopes that the new hires will leave with an understanding of the deep commitment that Rockwood has to serving all students and truly doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of everyone.

"This is my favorite time of year when it comes to new hires and new teachers because for many of them, it’s their first time to participate in a district-led event or professional learning opportunity, so our goal was to make the day as welcoming and energy-filled as possible," Smith said. "It has been a phenomenal week. The energy that the new hires have brought has been exciting to see. There’s been a lot of collaboration and relationship-building. They are bringing so much to the table already, and we’re just thrilled to have them on board."

Participants discovered Rockwood’s culture of learning and met with curriculum coordinators, instructional technology specialists, data analysts, representatives from Student Services, Human Resources, Communications and more. All of the training tied back to the new Rockwood strategic plan, Forward Together, and one of its key tenets, the Rockwood Promise.

“The event has been super helpful in making connections with other teachers,” said Hanna Vanourney, who will start her first year of teaching at Lafayette High. “I come from a world language background, and all the world language departments have been very forthcoming and seeking me out to help me along the way to do whatever they can to help me through this, and it’s nice to feel supported.”

Vanourney, like many other new educators, is looking forward meeting her students.

“I’m excited to teach the students French, but I’m also excited to be able to develop myself as an educator,” she shared. “I look forward to developing my practice and collaborate with my peers along the way.”

Our newest educators also received a rousing start to the three-day session thanks to the Marquette dance and cheer teams and drum line, which performed outside the school entrance to welcome our new teachers on the first day.

The first day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 18. We're excited to welcome these new educators to the Rockwood family!