Teachers Network and the Citigroup Foundation Launch “New Teacher
Support Program” for New York City Public School Teachers
New
York, September 14, 2004 --To address New York City’s critical
need for new teacher support and to encourage more new teachers to stay
in the profession longer, Teachers Network, a non-profit education organization,
has partnered with the Citigroup Foundation and the New York City Department
of Education (DOE) to provide the “New Teacher Support Program.”
The “New Teacher Support Program” is part of Teachers Network’s
major teacher initiative called New Teachers New York, which the Citigroup
Foundation has sponsored since 2000.
Through the “New
Teacher Support Program,” new teachers in participating schools
will receive leading teaching materials, created by Teachers Network,
drawing on the experience of seasoned teachers. Materials include the
best-selling publication New Teachers Handbook and the accompanying
CD-ROM set, Successful Teaching Practices in Action. Teachers will also
have access to the New Teacher On-Line Survival Courses, a series of
seven courses facilitated by experienced New York City teachers that
allows new teachers to work through lessons and assignments at home.
Course topics include Classroom Management, Strategic Planning, Teaching
Methods and other topics essential to successful teaching. For more
individualized assistance, teachers can log onto www.teachersnetwork.org,
and email questions to experienced teachers or examine detailed lesson
plans.
“Citigroup
is committed to helping make a difference in the local communities where
our employees and customers live and work,” said Charles Raymond,
President of the Citigroup Foundation. “We believe that supporting
the development of new teachers on the job is a smart investment in
local communities that will result in higher teacher retention rates
and improved student achievement. The partnership between the Citigroup
Foundation, Teachers Network, and the New York City Department of Education
will provide new teachers with the resources and encouragement they
need to be successful in the classroom.”
“Entering
the city’s public school system is challenging and overwhelming,
so we are excited to celebrate new teachers and introduce them to the
‘New Teacher Support Program. Since new teachers often have limited
time and resources, we worked with experienced teachers to create materials
that can be used at home or in school. By offering educators creative
ideas and support, this program has become an important piece in retaining
teachers during the most critical time of their careers,” said
Ellen Dempsey, CEO and President of Teachers Network and former teacher.
The “New Teacher
Support Program” materials and resources are available to any
new teacher in New York City. Starting in September, the program will
be offered to all schools in Brooklyn’s Region 8, courtesy of
the Citigroup Foundation grant. With over 600 new teachers expected
to join Region 8 this year, Teachers Network, the DOE and the Citigroup
Foundation hosted a welcome reception on September 8 from 4-6pm at St.
Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. Chancellor Joel Klein, Deputy Chancellor
Carmen Fariña and Smith Barney Chairman and CEO Sallie Krawcheck
spoke at the event. The reception provided teachers with the opportunity
to network with other educators and learn about the resources available
through the DOE accredited “New Teacher Support Program.”
About Teachers
Network
Teachers Network is a non-profit organization--by teachers, for teachers--with
a 25-year track record of success, dedicated to improving student learning
in public schools nationally and internationally. Teachers Network is
unique in its focus on professional development as the key to improving
student achievement. Using the power of an award-winning web site, videos,
and print resources, Teachers Network leverages the creativity and expertise
of a national and international community of outstanding educators.
Through leadership, Teachers Network empowers teachers to transform
public schools into creative learning communities. For more information
about Teachers Network, see www.teachersnetwork.org.
About Citigroup
Citigroup (NYSE: C), the preeminent global financial services company
has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than
100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions
with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer
banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities
brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's
trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith
Barney, Banamex, and Travelers Life and Annuity. The Citigroup Foundation
focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating
the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional
information may be found at www.citigroup.com.
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