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First-Time Teachers Become Students Of School Policy

Photo by LENORA LAKE

Recent University of South Florida graduates Katelyn Malone, left, and Crystal Romano were among the participants of the orientation for new Hillborough County teachers at Wharton High School.

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 24, 2008

NEW TAMPA - Susan Torpey reminded the first-year teachers about pictures they might have shared with others via Internet sites.

"Like that one of the trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras," the Pride Elementary School teacher told her charges, all new elementary school educators, to some giggles.

"You've got to use these Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace judiciously. If there is anything on them that can make people lose respect for you, you have to go through them and edit them," said Torpey, one of the trainers at a three-day orientation for teachers new to Hillsborough County public schools.

Many of the 800 teachers graduated only months ago; some were older and moved to teaching from other careers.

Jamalya Jackson, the district's supervisor of teacher training, said the group gathered Wednesday at Wharton High School is the smallest in many years. The district retained more teachers and fewer new schools are opening this year, she said.

"Professionalism" was the word of the day for workshops focusing on topics such as team building, discipline and ethics, which had been updated to include Internet issues.

"This is a big push by the district because of some of the things that have come up," said Patrick Horn, an Alafia Elementary teacher who was team teaching with Torpey.

During the past school year, several teachers were involved in relationships with students, had inappropriate photographs of themselves posted on Web sites or were known for dressing in short skirts and revealing tops.

How to dress for teaching was among the topics at the first of two general assemblies, one for elementary school teachers, which featured school board members, school administrators and others. A second assembly followed for middle and high school teachers.

Yvonne Lyons, executive director of the Classroom Teachers Association, said in the general session that the association has fought a formal dress code for years. However, it encourages teachers to maintain a professional appearance.

"If you can lie down and see your boobs, chances are everyone can see them, too," she said to laughter.

School board vice chairwoman Carol Kurdell had about 25 male teachers among the elementary school group stand to resounding applause.

Among them was Zach Shaw, who graduated a year ago from Western Michigan University and moved here two weeks ago.

"And I love making kids smile, the excitement," said Shaw, who will teach fourth- and fifth-grade gifted science and math at Wilson Elementary School in Plant City. He said the training gave him a good perspective "about how Hillsborough County goes about things and what is expected."

Recent University of South Florida graduates Crystal Romano and Katelyn Malone were among the participants who visited an expo .

"I think this has been comforting. I've gotten some great ideas and feel I know what to expect," said Romano, who will teach first grade at Knights Elementary.

Malone, who will teach third grade at Summerfield Crossings, agreed, saying she felt as if she had "a lot more support knowing I am not going through this alone."

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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