It’s not just students who get a first-day-of-school experience. Every year teachers who are new to Westwood Public Schools (WPS) have their own, when they come together for new teacher orientation. This year’s sessions took place over three days in late August.
“This is our opportunity to welcome people and to showcase what is so special about Westwood, what makes it such a strong district,” said WPS Assistant Superintendent Caitlin Ahern. “It’s also our chance to get to know them. They bring so much to us, so it goes both ways.”
After being welcomed by Ahern and Superintendent of Schools Tim Piwowar, teachers took part in classroom sessions designed to give them a head start to day one, and context about Westwood and the district. Sessions included Educational Equity in Westwood, Technology Training, and Establishing a Classroom Community; for their second day together, all new educators head to Hale Education Center for a morning of community building and a picnic lunch together
Steve Ouellette, WPS Director of Technology, ran a session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and best practices.
“I want to establish a baseline understanding,” said Ouellette. “I know of cases where AI fails and where it’s beneficial. There always needs to be a human in the loop. AI can be indispensably helpful, but there are lots of reasons why you need to be cautious. The more teachers are aware and comfortable using the technology, the better they’ll be able to manage it with students.”
WPS is welcoming 25 new teachers to the district this year, including Delaney Gillis, a recent graduate of Stonehill College. She’s happy to be starting her teaching career in Westwood.
“I’m excited to get into the community,” said Delaney. “I grew up in West Roxbury, and I feel a lot of people from West Roxbury migrate to this area. I’m excited to get into the routine with my students and get to know a routine that works for them and also for me.”
Logan Penney will be teaching ceramics at Westwood High School. He says he plans to push more WHS students toward a larger stage by applying to national shows and conferences.
“I want to push art beyond the Westwood campus,” said Penney. “It’s also been cool to see how this community really cares about being inclusive and people seem committed to their job. It’s going to be a nice environment for me to grow as a leader and a teacher.”
