VCS Teacher Induction Program

"Every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design."
—Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, & John Hattie

Our Mission

To cultivate confident, effective educators through high-quality induction, mentoring, and professional learning so that every student in Volusia County Schools experiences excellent teaching.

Welcome to Volusia County Schools!

We are excited you've joined our team. Whether you're beginning your teaching career or joining us from another district, our New Teacher Academy (NTA) is designed to help you feel supported, connected, and prepared for a successful first year.

The New Teacher Academy provides comprehensive induction experience centered on classroom application and instructional excellence. Designed in accordance with Florida Statutes 1012.56(6) and 1012.56(8)(b), the Academy supports instructional staff who are new to Volusia County Schools. Research consistently shows that teachers who participate in comprehensive induction programs remain in the profession longer and experience greater success in job satisfaction and student achievement (Harris, 2015).

Throughout the program, participants engage in professional learning aligned to the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs)—the state's standards for effective teaching—and the Danielson Framework for Teaching, which serves as the foundation for Volusia County Schools' instructional evaluation system. By connecting professional learning with these frameworks, the Academy helps new teachers build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success in the classroom from day one.

 Who Participates in the New Teacher Academy?

•  Novice Teachers
  • First-year teachers with no prior teaching experience.
  • Teachers holding either a Temporary or Professional Florida Educator Certificate.
• Early Career Teachers
  • Teachers with fewer than three years of verified teaching experience.
• Experienced Teachers
  • Teachers with three or more years of verified teaching experience and a Professional Florida Educator Certificate.
• International Teachers
  • Teachers participating in the J-1 Visa Cultural Exchange Program.
• Returning Educators
  • Teachers returning to Volusia County Schools after five or more years away from the district.
• Teachers Rehired After a Temporary Contract
  • Novice or experienced teachers who served on a temporary contract during the previous school year and are rehired for the current school year.
• Student Services Personnel
  • School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, and Speech-Language Clinicians.

How We’ll Support You

The New Teacher Academy is built around four interconnected components designed to support your success with Volusia County Schools.

 Induction

Build a strong foundation through district orientation, required training, and essential resources that prepare you for success in Volusia County Schools.

 Mentoring

Partner with a trained mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and instructional support.

 Professional Learning

Participate in meaningful learning experiences focused on effective instruction, classroom management, and job-embedded learning through Showcase Classrooms.

Wellness

Prioritize your well-being through optional activities and resources that promote resilience, work-life balance, and professional fulfillment.

 Whether you are beginning your first year in the classroom, bringing years of experience to VCS, or returning to our district after time away, you are an important part of our educational community. The NTA is designed to support your transition, celebrate your experience, and provide opportunities for continued growth.

✏️In-Service Records

New teachers can request their in-service records from other school districts. Please click this link to view the directions: Transfer Credits 

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