MINTS: A Supportive & Collaborative Network for the Educational Community
As districts across the country face ongoing challenges with retaining staff at all levels, The Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS) strives to play a critical role in providing guidance, resources, and community, especially in the early years of careers and during times of transition.
Supporting New Professionals
As a new professional, the first few years in the field are a crucial time that often determine the likelihood of remaining in the profession.
While a new professional may feel confident in their content knowledge, they may lack sufficient support and preparation for other aspects of their role.
“51% of new teachers report being under great stress several days a week.”
How MINTS Can Help
Our MINTS team provides many resources and professional development opportunities for both new educators, and for those who are more experienced, including:
- Workshops, lectures, and other skill-building/enhancing resources
- A growing and ever-evolving network that connects participants with other professionals
- Mentorship and Resources provided by seasoned educators who offer support and feedback
Our Goals
- To provide support, guidance, and resources to ease the transition from student-teacher to full-time professional or to support a more seasoned professional as they begin work with a new grade level
- To encourage confidence by promoting methods and techniques in stress reduction, classroom management and self/student motivation
- To familiarize new professionals with the realities of teaching and to provide skills for adapting to the current culture of the education profession
- To offer tips and resources from experienced educators, creating a collaborative and supportive community
- To increase retention of new and developing teachers
- To ensure that every student has access to highly effective, well-prepared, and confident educator
