Realizing that beginning teachers and those new to the District go through a period of adjustment to their new working and/or living environments, the Paris Independent School District strives to provide these new teachers with an induction program designed to ease them into their respective professional roles. When these basic orientation needs are met, an entry-level teacher is on the way to becoming a happy and healthy individual; a competent, successful teacher; and a self-actualized person.

Refinement of teaching skills. Paris ISD:

• actively recruits and hires competent teachers.
• encourages teacher involvement in site-based decision-making.
• provides many opportunities for professional growth through staff development activities.
• arranges for new teachers to observe and be observed by mentor/buddy teachers.

Make choices from a wide array of options. Paris ISD:

• encourages new teachers to complete a progress report survey to facilitate continuous improvement of the induction program.
• encourages new teachers to provide feedback to the administration.
• strives for openness.
• provides many options for staff development.
• encourages "wellness."

Learn and play. Paris ISD invites you to celebrate:

• while attending conferences and workshops.
• while enjoying teacher of the year ceremonies.
• while attending students activities.
• during holidays.
• during "I Love Paris."
• successful participation in staff development activities.
• personal victories, etc.

Direct and indirect efforts to ensure a sense of belonging to the school and community. Paris ISD:

• welcomes new teachers during orientation sessions.
• pairs new teachers with mentors or buddy teachers.
• fosters experiences designed to share successes, concerns and seek new ideas.
• strives to make sure that new teachers are an integral part of all staff development activities.

Successfully adjusting and realizing goals. Paris ISD:

• makes available a program of benefits that strive to meet insurance, savings, retirement, and other personal needs.
• helps teachers to realize self-evaluation of their skills and allows for observations and suggestions from supervisors.
• encourages professionalism.
• provides staff development opportunities that contribute toward meeting state requirements.
• realizes that through participation, success is easier.
• wants all new teachers to get to know and like Paris - a friendly community.