Teacher Community: Fostering a Culture of Growth and Innovation

By Catarina Portillo and Kathleen Webber

Supporting Our Teachers Through Community

Teaching is one of the most noble and impactful professions, but it is also one of the most demanding. Over the years, education has shifted from being a lifelong calling to what some now view as a stepping stone. With increasing workloads, evolving expectations, and emotional demands, many teachers find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the early years of their careers. In fact, nearly 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession within the first five years, according to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF). 

At Union Catholic, we believe that the foundation of an exceptional education is an exceptional faculty. While we are committed to providing innovative learning environments and cutting-edge technology, our greatest strength lies in our dedicated and talented teachers. Therefore, we are committed to supporting them in an environment where they can thrive. This strong sense of community and purpose starts with our Beginner Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP), a mentorship program first introduced in 1999 to support new teachers during their critical first year in the profession. We recognize that an environment that values and nurtures educators will, in turn, create one where students flourish. 

Empowering Teachers Through Mentorship

BTAP is more than just a program; it is a commitment to guiding new teachers through the challenges of the first year. It ensures that no teacher begins this journey alone. Mentors and colleagues provide reassurance and encouragement at every step, helping to build the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in the classroom. 

Through targeted support in lesson planning, classroom management, and professional growth, BTAP provides the guidance needed for navigating the early stages of teaching with confidence and support. Beyond tools and strategies, BTAP offers a safe, welcoming space where new teachers can ask questions, express concerns, and share experiences without fear of judgment. This sense of community and trust reflects the core values that define Union Catholic. It is not just about helping teachers survive their first year; it is about fostering an environment where they feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. 

Teachers Are Learners Too

At Union Catholic, we believe that education is a lifelong journey for everyone, not just our students. We are committed to the continuous growth of our faculty, recognizing that an effective, forward-thinking learning environment begins with our educators. We encourage our teachers to be lifelong learners through ongoing professional development workshops, conferences, and collaborative opportunities. This investment ensures they stay at the forefront of their fields, integrating the latest pedagogical strategies and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Our classrooms are dynamic learning environments. Our students are equipped with tablets and can interact with Promethean Boards and our learning management system, Canvas. We empower our students with innovative tools like MagicSchool and other AI applications. While this advanced ed tech sets us apart, our strength lies not in the tools themselves, but in the community of support that surrounds them. 

We understand that stepping into this high-tech environment can be daunting, particularly for new teachers. We do not simply hand our teachers new technology and expect them to figure it out. Instead, we build their skills, ensuring they can utilize and implement these tools authentically and effectively in their courses. This culture of mutual support ensures that our faculty not only feels confident and capable but also truly valued.

In a time when so many educators are leaving the profession, we choose to invest in ours. By fostering a supportive community, encouraging collaboration, and prioritizing professional growth, we ensure our teachers feel empowered, inspired, and dedicated. In turn, they can help our students achieve the same level of success and confidence. 

Creating a Community of Support

At Union Catholic, we believe that when teachers support teachers, everyone wins. Our shared mission is to help one another grow so we can better support our students. That mission is nurtured through open communication and collaboration. We highly encourage peer observation as part of our professional culture. This simple yet powerful practice allows teachers to learn from one another in meaningful ways. By observing fellow educators, new teachers can expand their instructional toolkit, explore diverse teaching styles, and gain valuable insight into classroom strategies that support student engagement and success. Regardless of subject or grade level, every teacher brings unique strengths to the table.

We also encourage our educators to maintain an ongoing dialogue with our school leaders. Our administration understands that the strength of our school lies in the people who lead the classrooms. With over 100 years of combined experience, all within our own school, our leadership team is deeply committed to mentoring, listening, and providing the guidance our teachers need to grow. At Union Catholic, we encourage all teachers to seek support whenever needed from colleagues within their department or their learning area administrator. 

The result of this unwavering commitment to our teachers is a low turnover rate, which provides a level of stability and consistency invaluable to our school community. Students benefit from building long-term relationships with teachers who understand their individual needs and academic journeys. Families can be confident that their children are learning from experienced professionals who have chosen to make Union Catholic their long-term home. 

Our investment in our teachers is an investment in our students