Organizational Learning & Support Services

New Teacher and Mentor Support

SAISD's Induction Program sets the foundation for educators to thrive in SAISD by growing and retaining high-quality educators through equity-centered pipelines in partnership with our campuses, communities, and stakeholders.

Click Here to register as a New Teacher to our Canvas Cohort.

Get to Know Us

Esme Elizondo

A proud first-generation college graduate with over 20 years of experience in education. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Esmeralda has dedicated 19 of those years to San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), where she has held various leadership roles. She takes great pride in partnering with novice teachers and witnessing their growth throughout their educational journey.

Brittany Garcia

A San Antonio native and graduate of UTSA and beginning her 15th year in education serving public schools. In a wide range of roles as a classroom teacher, science instructional coach, instructional specialist, consultant and higher education enrollment counselor & academic program specialist, her dedication is fostering a resilient and growth mindset in all students in preparation for the individual future lives they will lead.

Nisan Kartaltepe

A passionate educator with 15 years of experience. As a product of SAISD, she began her career as an Instructional Assistant in Pre-K, then moved into a role as a classroom teacher at the elementary level. She spent nine years in the elementary classroom prior to moving into the role of Consulting Teacher, and now New Teacher Support Specialist where she specializes in supporting brand new teachers.

Teresa Martinelli

A passionate New Teacher Support Specialist with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio. With 10 years of experience in elementary and ESL education, she has successfully utilized data-driven instruction, flexible grouping, and innovative project-based learning to enhance student outcomes. As a new teacher support specialist, she is dedicated to continue to make a positive impact in education by empowering new teachers and boost student achievement.

Lisa Sparks-Hardeman

A motivated and passionate leader that has dedicated 23 years of teaching and coaching to SAISD. As a New Teacher Support Specialist, Lisa focuses on developing and aligning robust systems of culturally responsive practices, and collaborative coaching models to enhance teacher retention and improve student accountability district-wide. Prior to her role as an New Teacher Support Specialist, Lisa spent 15 years teaching middle school mathematics at Cooper, Horace Mann, Harris and Whittier.

Nikki Springer

A skilled new teacher specialist with a strong track record of enhancing teacher effectiveness and boosting student achievement. She specializes in developing and delivering impactful professional development for educators. Nikki began her career at Young Women's Leadership Academy (SAISD), where she was a Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair, earning accolades such as SAISD Social Studies Teacher of the Year. She is dedicated to collaborating with our new teachers in SAISD to ensure student success.

New Teacher Engagement
Personalized Learning
Mentoring
FAQ

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- New Teacher Connect
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New Teacher Support Specialist offers support around self care, curriculum, professional development, and tools and tips. Additionally, we offer support services to assisting in navigating the variety of support systems and personnel in SAISD. Lastly, feel free to connect with us. We are here to guide and support our new teachers in your journey here in SAISD.

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Teacher Phases

Wellness Calendars

Temp. Check

Reflections

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Interactive Journals

Semester 1

Semester 2

Online Community Chats (NTA Canvas Course)

Classroom Management

Routines and Procedures (on interactive journal)

Classroom Culture

Beyond T-TESS (on interactive journal)

Organization/ Time management (on interactive journal)

District/ Professional Navigation

Documentation

ARD etc.

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Equity

Lesson Planning basics

Differentiation

Assessments/Data
Tech blended learning

New Teacher Connect

Podcast

CIA

Kagan Learning

Language Rich

Monthly Virtual PD (attached to interactive journal)

Links to EPICS/etc.

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Schedule an appointment

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Email Contact Information

Learn About Our Mentor Support

SAISD's mentor program provides support to teachers in their first two years in the profession. Mentors meet weekly with their mentee to guide them in all aspects of induction as professional educators. Mentors complete annual training to stay current with mentoring practices and skills. Each campus also has a designated Campus Mentor Coordinator who strategically pairs new teachers with a mentor and holds meetings at the campus level. New teachers with more than two years experience are provided with a Campus Buddy who serves as a resource to the teacher primarily around campus and district procedures.

SAISD Mentors can enroll in the Mentor Canvas Course and access the resources below by going to https://saisd.instructure.com/enroll/YFXJRT.

If you are new to SAISD and in your first or second year of teaching, you will receive support as part of the program. If you do not know who your mentor is, please contact our office at 210-554-8521 or newtea cheracademy@saisd.net.

You can access all the details at the New Teacher Orientation website.

Every campus has a Campus Mentor Coordinator who pairs new teachers with mentors. You may also contact our office at 210-554-8521 or newt eacheracademy@saisd.net.

SAISD requires that a mentor have at least three years of teaching experience and meet the objective hiring criteria for the district (9 of 16 dimensions of T-TESS are rated as Proficient with no rating of Improvement Needed). Ideally, mentors teach the same grade level/content area as their mentee, but such a pairing is not always possible. All mentor assignments must be approved by the campus principal.

In general, mentors should support mentees with all aspects of becoming a professional educator. Specific mentoring activities are outlined in campus- and district-level mentor meetings. For questions, email newteacheracademy@saisd.net.

Mentors must complete annual training provided by the district. Mentors meet weekly or bi-weekly (depending on the mentee's years of service) and submit weekly meeting logs. Mentors should contact their Campus Mentor Coordinator for more details or email newteacheracademy@saisd.net.