New Teacher Orientation and Information for New Hires for the 2025-2026 School Year

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Welcome to AUSD!

Antioch Unified School District hosts three full days of orientation for all new hires. Our goal is to familiarize all new staff members to the AUSD way and ensure that everyone feels confident and comfortable in their new teaching positions with us! Whether this is your very first year as a teacher or if you are a seasoned and experienced educator who has recently joined the AUSD team, we are committed to creating a community of practice that is supportive, meaningful and beneficial for everyone. Below is specific information for our first two days together. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amy Bettencourt, Director of Educational Services at amybettencourt@antiochschools.net or 925-779-7500 ext. 43211.

New Teacher Orientation Day 2:

Monday, November 10th

Welcome to the Antioch Unified School District! We are delighted that you will be joining our team of educators! We are pleased to share information regarding our annual New Teacher Orientation that provides three days of pertinent information for our new hires.

Below is a detailed schedule for our second day together. Please reach out to Amy Bettencourt if you have any questions.

New Teacher Orientation Day 2

Black Diamond Middle School

8:00-3:00pm

8:00-8:30am Arrival and Welcome with Natasha Thomas, Ed Services Coordinator

8:30-945am Session One: 

  • K-5th Grade:  iReady Session with Jenn Voss, Curriculum Associates PD Staff

  • 6-12th Grade: Restorative Practices with Jenn Lynn-Whaley and Kristy Martinez , Wellness Climate and Culture Team

9"45-10:00am Break

10:00-11:15am Session Two: 

  • 6-8th Grade ELA/Math iReady with Jenn Voss, Curriculum Associates PD Staff

  • K-5th Grade: Restorative Practices with Jenn Voss and Kristy Martinez , Wellness Climate and Culture Team

  • 6-12th Grade (without 6-8 ELA/Math) Parent Communication with Jason Larson, Director, Educational Services

11:15-12:15pm Lunch On Your Own 

12:15-1:30pm Session Three: 

  • K-5th Grade: Math Session with Renita Angus, STEAM Coordinator

  • 6-12th Grade: PLC Overview with Natasha Thomas, Coordinator, Educational Services

1:30-1:45pm Break 

1:45-3:00pm Session Four: 

  • K-5 Grade: PLC Overview with Natasha Thomas, Educational Services Coordinator

  • 6-12th Grade: Supporting Homeless and Foster Youth with Barbara Aguilar, Social Worker 

  • 6-12th Grade Math Teachers: Math Session with Renita Angus, STEAM Coordinator

 

**Specialty Sessions -Locations listed below:

8:00-3:00pm Special Education Staff with Kelly Quinn in Room 502 at Black Diamond Middle School

8:00-3:00pm Transitional Kindergarten Teachers (TK) with Sally Zarcone at Carmen Dragon Elementary

8:00-3:00pm PE Teachers with Christine Marshall at Orchard Park School

8:00-3:00pm Music with Noli Magsino at Orchard Park School

8:00-3:00pm: Counselors at Big 5 Safe School Coalition Training with Tim Cooper at Antioch High School Conference Room B