As a teacher completing your New Teacher Introduction Program (NTIP) you should be familiar with the process and your rights as you work to complete the program, as well as the language contained within your Collective Agreement (L-Article 18: New Teacher Induction Program) as it relates to the NTIP program.

 

Here are a few things to be aware of:

 

You will need to complete NTIP if you fit the definition of “new teacher” - that you are new to teaching in a permanent position in Ontario, in either a full time or part time contract capacity.  If you are hired for long term occasional work only you do not currently meet the requirements for completing NTIP.

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You will / should have attended an orientation sessions at the board and school level which included information on your collective agreement and federation contact numbers. (The TBU will also reach out to you to set up a New Member Meeting, but this takes place outside of NTIP)

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You have been offered a choice of mentors or mentorship arrangements or at the very least a safe, non-judgmental exit procedure in case you are not happy with your mentorship arrangement.
 

It has been made clear to you that your mentor will not be involved in evaluating you in any way. A successful mentorship must be based on trust and confidentiality.
 

You (in consultation with your mentor) have filled out the NTIP Strategy Form, being sure to cover only one or two key areas to focus on this year. Remember that the strategies are meant to be your own, not those laid out by other individuals.  Sample forms can be found here.
 

The contents of the NTIP Strategy Form should not be a topic of discussion at any meeting related to the performance appraisal.
 

The principal or vice-principal has met with you in advance of a performance appraisal to explain the 8 competencies that may be evaluated, the rubric and ratings to be used, and what the evaluator will be looking for to measure each competency. You should take detailed notes of what the principal/vice principal said they would be looking for.
 

A firm date for the classroom observation was set with at least 3 days notice, unless otherwise agreed upon, as per L18.06 of the Collective Agreement.

 

Where possible, your formal classroom observation should be of a subject area included on your certificate of qualifications as per L18.05 of the Collective Agreement.
 

Your summative report was based on the competencies and the classroom observation, not on impressions the principal may have gained during an unannounced walk through visit to your classroom, or on vague or unsubstantiated complaints from students or parents that you have not been made aware of.

 

The summative report should not contain any negative comments about your involvement in school supported extracurricular activities or other voluntary activities, as per L18.08 and L18.09 of the Collective Agreement.

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As per L.18.04 you have the right to OSSTF TBU representation at any meeting that is part of, or results from the NTIP process.
 

If your rating was “Development Needed” (or “Unsatisfactory” on a second evaluation), the reasons for the rating, the actions you need to take, and what time, assistance and resources will be provided to ensure your success should all be clearly explained to you. If you receive one of these ratings, inform the Teachers' Bargaining Unit President.
 

Do not hesitate to ask your TBU Branch President if you are concerned about any aspect of your performance appraisal or your induction program. Your federation is there to protect your rights and help you succeed.