A job description for a coordinator of student support and new teacher development drew concerns from Newman-Crows Landing Unified School educators, which prompted back-and-forth conversations with the Board of Education in last Monday’s meeting.
The board later voted 4-1 to not only approve the position’s description, but to appoint Rocelia Artega to the position. Trustee Derek Wach was the lone board member to dissent because he felt the district should’ve put a pause on hiring staff until changes to the NCLUSD’s budget reserves.
According to the description, the individual would provide leadership, coordination and support for districtwide student support systems and new teacher development initiatives under the provision of the director of curriculum and services, Heather Vargas. Additionally, one of the tasks is to collaborate with special education, expanded learning, English learner and other student support programs to ensure it meets the diverse needs of students.
This prompted María Andrade, the president for Newman-Crows Landing Teachers Association and a spanish teacher at Yolo Middle School, to go on the podium, where she questioned the position’s authorization to work with special education students.
According to the state’s Commission of Teacher Credentialing, an individual is issued the authorization to provide special education services through a valid internship, life special education teaching credential, or a speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative service credential with special authorization. Additionally, an individual is required to complete a commission-approved professional preparation program in the special education specialty area, including completion of supervised field study.
“We currently have a director of special education with a Ph.D.,” Andrade said. “My question is, ‘Why are we trying to duplicate that?’”
Andrade later questioned the coordinator’s task of being a mentor for incoming teachers. She said there is a teacher induction program available through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. The two-year program focuses on providing mentoring, support, and professional learning for early-career instructors.
Despite the position being funded through a grant, Andrade continued to question the district’s need for the role. “Why are we paying? Why are we going outside for a program that already exists?,” she said.
Vargas, in response, said the position will be an asset for the district and some of current tasks “are current gaps within our system.” One of those gaps is new teacher support and coaching. She added that some districts have coordinators to help support teachers, especially for new teachers.
One example Vargas mentioned was when she was the principal at Von Renner Elementary. At that time, the site had an English language arts, math, and technology coaches, she said.
“To the teaching staff that was an invaluable resource,” Vargas said.
Andrade, in response, said the mentorship can be done through a Teacher on Special Assignment, which helps a teacher gain leadership and support within a school district.
“Everything that was just said can be done through TOSA,” Andrade said.
