NCTIES2025

This session draws parallels between the diverse ingredients in jambalaya, a classic New Orleans dish, and the varied skills and experiences that alternatively licensed teachers bring to the profession. Participants will consider the unique needs of alternatively licensed teachers and explore the "10-Day Launching Pad" - a framework for individualizing required 10-day residency plans to better support these diverse teachers.
Key session activities and discussion topics include:

Exploring how the teaching profession benefits from a "mix of different ingredients" (experiences, backgrounds, skills) that alternatively licensed teachers provide, similar to the rich flavors in jambalaya.
Examining how traditional and alternative pathways to teaching certification can complement each other and create a richer school environment.
Providing an overview of North Carolina's alternative teaching license pathways and the 10-day residency plan requirement.
Engaging in a group brainstorming activity to identify strategies for "seasoning" alternatively licensed teachers with the right support, mentoring, and professional development.
Introducing the "10-Day Launching Pad" - a customizable framework to meet the unique needs of each alternatively licensed teacher through the required plan.
Facilitating a work session for participants to apply the 10-Day Launching Pad to their own context.

With approximately 50% of new hires across the state coming through alternative pathways, this session aims to connect educators and provide practical strategies to better prepare and support these teachers, ultimately increasing retention rates.