The BEGIN Program

The Story of a District Helping New Teachers Succeed

A Three-Year Teacher Induction Model

The BEGIN Program, initiated in 1987, focuses on the successful assimilation of new teachers into the teaching culture through peer support and training opportunities.  Initially the BEGIN Program consisted of a one-year support model, but over the past several years has developed into a three-year model.  Today the BEGIN Program not only focuses on the successful assimilation of a new teacher into the culture of teaching but also “builds” a Washington School District teacher.  The content of the three-year model enhances the new teachers’ ability to demonstrate behaviors and values that will advance the core teaching standards.  The BEGIN Program also embeds the Washington School District Teacher Evaluation Process into the three-year model.