RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Kids are going to see some new teachers when school starts next week in Richmond. And those new educators are in the process of prepping for their first year-ever of teaching.
Any teacher can tell you, it takes a lot of work to get ready for the first week of school — and on top of it all new teachers are probably dealing with a little anxiety too. But, Richmond Public Schools are making sure that their new teachers are getting off on the right foot.
Teachers at Bellevue Elementary School are excited to go back to school.
“I’m so ready for the school year — I’ve been waiting on it all summer,” explained Rachel Robinson, Bellevue Elementary School 2nd grade teacher.
Just down the hall, Ellen Eaton, a kindergarten teacher at Bellevue Elementary School is getting her classroom ready.
“We’re doing a medieval theme,” Eaton said. “I feel like I need 20 more hours — I want it to feel like home”
This is her first year ever teaching, after spending seven years on the administrative side of education.
“I’m really ready to witness the benefits of learning first-hand so I can see those ah-ha moments,” said Eaton.
From books, to blocks, things are coming together.
“I want them to get lost in learning,” Eaton explained.
Bellevue Elementary School has just a fraction of the some 300 new teachers starting in Richmond this year — and the school system’s officials say it takes a lot to prepare them for success.
“We have to reach before we teach,” stated Dr. Anthony Leonard, elementary executive director for Richmond Public Schools.
That’s the message educators heard during the four-day new teacher orientation.
“They’re learning how to build relationships with kids,” Leonard said. “They’re learning time management.”
Then, there’s professional development at individual schools.
Eaton already has some unique lesson plans.
“I’m really excited about the bike race,” she said. “We can talk about gears.”
