NTIP Checklist
The following is a summary of the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) and Teacher Performance Appraisal for new teachers (TPA). It is important that you know your rights and what to expect in the NTIP/TPA process. Here are some points to watch for.
- You fit the definition of “new teacher” (new to teaching in a permanent position in Ontario, either full time or part time, but NOT including long term occasional work). (NOTE: In Peel, new LTO teachers ARE eligible for some parts of the Side By Side support but ARE NOT part of the new teacher TPA)
- You have attended orientation sessions at the board and school level, which included information on your collective agreement and federation contact numbers.
- You have been provided access to a mentorship arrangement through the Side By Side program.
- It has been made clear to you that your mentor will not be involved in evaluating you in any way. A successful mentorship must be based on trust and confidentiality.
- You (in consultation with your principal) have filled out the NTIP Strategy Form, being sure to cover only one or two key areas of PD to focus on this year. Samples of completed forms are available on the OSSTF web site (http://osstf.on.ca). The strategies are yours, not dictated by the principal.
- The contents of the NTIP Strategy Form should not be a topic of discussion at any meeting related to the TPA.
- Time release is provided for you for NTIP activities (through the Side By Side program) such as meetings with your mentor, planned visits to other classrooms, PD sessions for new teachers etc.
- The principal or vice-principal has met with you in advance of a TPA to explain the 8 competencies that may be evaluated, the rubric and ratings to be used, and what the evaluator will be looking for to measure each competency. You should take detailed notes of this discussion and the “look fors”.
- A firm date for the classroom observation was set in advance so that you could prepare.
- Your summative report was based on the competencies and the classroom observation, not on impressions the principal may have gained on unannounced “walk through” visits to your classroom, or on vague or unsubstantiated complaints from students or parents of which you have not been made aware.
- If your rating was “Development Needed” (or “Unsatisfactory” on a second evaluation), you clearly understand the reasons for the rating, the actions you need to take, and what time, assistance and resources will be provided to ensure your success. If you receive one of these ratings, call the OSSTF District 19 office at (905-564-7255).
Do not hesitate to ask your OSSTF Branch President if you are concerned about any aspect of your performance appraisal or your induction program. Your Federation is here to protect your rights and help you to succeed.
