Madison Teacher Induction Program

Every new teacher deserves support to develop into a highly effective educator. In Madison, we provide early career teachers with a three-year induction program that includes Orientation, Madison Teacher Institutes, and a trained mentor who offers job-embedded professional support.

Our goal is to retain and grow the next generation of educators so we can provide every child in the Madison community with a world-class education. Our mentoring and coaching is aimed at developing teachers who are reflective, persistent and curious about their practice as a path towards laying the foundation of a career that is highly impactful in serving the students in Madison. 

In addition to supporting beginning teachers, Madison also welcomes many experienced and accomplished educators each year. For teachers who join us with prior experience, we provide a first-year onboarding program designed to help them acclimate to the district, their school site, and the wide range of supports available to sustain their continued growth as highly effective educators.

In partnership with the Arizona K12 Center, Madison’s induction program is grounded in the work of the New Teacher Center and aligned with the Arizona Department of Education’s Beginning Teacher Induction Program Standards.

Some of the key benefits include:

Highly Skilled Mentors

Each beginning teacher is paired with a full-release mentor who is both experienced and trained in coaching. Mentors use a variety of effective tools and strategies, providing differentiated support that meets the unique needs of each new teacher.

Job-Embedded Professional Learning

During their first two years, beginning teachers participate in four professional learning days designed to ease the transition into the profession. These sessions focus on Madison’s vision of effective teaching and learning and are aligned with evidence-based best practices.

Peer Collaboration

Structured opportunities are built into the program for beginning teachers to collaborate, share strategies, and learn alongside their peers.

Supportive Communication

Mentors, beginning teachers, and site administrators engage in regular, two-way communication to ensure support is timely, relevant, and responsive to the needs of new educators.

Rachel Rutledge, Elementary Teacher Mentor 

Entering her 13th year in education, Rachel Rutledge has dedicated a decade to the Madison School District. For the last two and a half years, she has found a new passion in mentoring and supporting new teachers to the profession, driven by the belief that empowering her fellow educators directly benefits their students. While she finds great fulfillment in guiding others, Rachel's greatest joy in her work is witnessing the growth and development of students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and being outdoors whenever possible. 

Mandy Smith, Middle School Teacher Mentor

Mandy is in her first year as a new teacher mentor in Madison School District and her 13th year as an educator. She previously worked as an instructional coach and instructional technologist in Colorado before returning to the classroom in Arizona. Working with fellow teachers reminded her how much she enjoys supporting them and helping them find efficient, practical ways to approach instruction, often through technology. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants with her husband, and doing arts and crafts with her kids.