Mitchem to New Teachers: Every Child is Capable of Learning

Kids first. That was the message Valley View School District 365U Superintendent Dr. James Mitchem delivered to more than 100 new VVSD teachers at New Teacher Orientation Wednesday morning.

 “Working in Valley View is going to be tough. Failure is not an option,” he said. “We expect to not only be the best school district in the state, but also one of the best districts in the country.”

Dr. Mitchem detailed VVSD’s “The New View: A Design Change,” which has been the district’s blueprint for two years.

“Nothing happens in this district without the core belief that every child is capable of meeting or exceeding minimum requirements for proficiency when given the proper supports,” he said. “Our kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

The VVSD Superintendent spoke of changes that have brought, among many other things, a more rigorous curriculum, teachers that are facilitators of instruction, and a daily assessment system designed to make sure each child is progressing academically, socially, and emotionally. “Every single child must be prepared to make a decision on going to college and for entering a post education career.”
“We have had significant change in the past two years,” he said. “The thing that will not change is that “change” will be a constant.”

“We are an excuseless school district and you’re going to have to work to get results from our kids because we expect nothing less,” Dr. Mitchem added as he stressed the support that would be provided to teachers to be successful.

Two VVSD School Board members also addressed the new teachers.

Board Vice President Rick Gougis cited “the power of a teacher who believes in a child” and Board Secretary Chrystal Hansen told the new educators “You are very important in the lives of our children. You are shaping them. You are helping them make decisions when they become adults.”

Following the presentations, the new teachers attended break-out sessions on school safety, technology, and MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing.  They will also spend a second day in training at the district level focused on curriculum and a third day at the building level. This will be followed by participation in the district’s new teacher induction program which includes the assignment of a mentor teacher.

Source: Valley View School District