The 27J Experience

Empowering every student is the mission that drives teaching and learning across our system and frames the decisions that we make as a school district.

The student of today is the citizen, the worker, the parent and the leader of tomorrow. 20 years from now, our students today will be engaged in society in ways that we cannot fully understand. What jobs will exist? What skills will be needed? What attitudes will allow them to be successful in life 20 years after graduation?

The uncertainty of their futures compels us to employ a dynamic vision of teaching and learning. Acquiring information has been replaced by a skills that require a great deal more of our students than traditional schooling has offered:

• Entrepreneurial Skills - Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Inquiry, Analysis, Innovating, Risk Taking
• Personal Skills – Self Awareness, Perseverance, Initiative, Personal Responsibility, Flexibility
• Interpersonal Skills – Collaboration, Communication, Cultural-Global Networking, Civic Engagement, Character
• Professional Skills- Time Management, Career Awareness, Information Literacy, Productivity, Self-Advocacy, Use of Information and Technology, Leadership

These aren’t lessons to be lectured, listened to, and recalled by our students. Learning today and preparing our students for our world tomorrow requires far more from our learners. As educators, we must engage these foundational skills through a new set of learning experiences.

In 27J Schools, we have named the ideal classroom for learning the Thinking Classroom. We envision a classroom where students are actively thinking, inquiring, problem-solving, engaging, self-regulating, and owning their learning.

Preparing our students for their future is the challenge of our careers and an opportunity for all of us in 27J Schools. We are committed to preparing all students for a successful career and life far beyond high school graduation. We believe the best way to prepare for the future is by practicing these skills, understandings, and attitudes in the Thinking Classroom today.

27J Schools Induction and Mentoring Goals:

• To gain and develop a sense of ownership and empowerment by recognizing the supportive culture or our District and community.

• To gain an understanding of the District's student achievement goals, the Thinking Classroom and GELL (Goal, Evidence and Learning Experiences/Environment).

• To participate in a variety of collaborative learning experiences to increase capacity and understanding.

Induction:

Our district induction program is designed to provide you with the support and training necessary to transition into your new environment smoothly.  We have designed our program to not only align with the current Colorado Teacher Quality and Specialized Service Standards but to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of what an effective educator looks and sounds like in our District. 

27J Schools induction is designed for educators new to our district, whether they hold an initial or professional license. Meetings with mentors will be differentiated for initial and professional license holders. These requirements fall under the recommended best practices of a CDE-approved district induction program. Four days of New Educator Orientation (Two before school starts, two throughout the year) provide ongoing support from a mentor and/or coach in your building

Mentoring:

• Support from a mentor in each learning site, as well as specially trained district mentors for counselors, special educators/SSPs, and electives teachers. 
• Mentors build positive, reciprocal relationships with newly hired 27J educators for the purpose of establishing an environment of trust and collaboration as well as providing emotional support.
• Mentors assist new teachers with effective classroom management strategies, resources, materials, tools, information, etc. to support classroom instruction and planning.
• Mentors help new staff members assimilate into the culture of the school.
• Mentors participate in a monthly Authentic Learning Team facilitated by the Professional Learning Instructional Specialist.