A Shocking Statistic!
Posted on 05/02/2025 @ 06:00 AM
50% of all new teachers drop out of teaching within their first five years. When we asked veteran Miami teachers to reflect back on their first year in the classroom, here is what they said:
Since 2008, CAJE has partnered with the Jewish New Teacher Project (JNTP) to increase teacher retention and reduce teacher dropout.
Through the two-year JNTP training, new teachers are paired with veteran teachers so they can better handle the school culture and challenges of the classroom.
Simultaneously, JNTP shows experienced teachers how to serve as mentors to new teachers.
Mentor-mentee pairs meet regularly to focus on classroom management, instructional planning, and pedagogy.
This collaboration is a win-win because it not only enhances the new teachers’ practices and satisfaction but also encourages the reflective growth of the mentors.
This week, the CAJE Miami - Jewish New Teacher Project (JNTP) program concluded Year 1 of the two-year training.
As one participant shared:
“I gained a lot from JNTP. It gave me tools and skills to be a better mentor and a better teacher! Many things that were taught here influenced my own teaching. Can’t wait for year 2!”
Another mentor noted:
“Thank you for giving us opportunities to use the tools with guiding questions and discuss them in practical ways. This has been a great opportunity for me to reflect on my own classroom practice. I'm looking forward to the 2nd year and to both my personal and my mentee's teaching practice growth.”
Launched in September 2024, this cohort includes 20 participants from six South Florida schools: Scheck Hillel Community School, Yeshiva Elementary School, Hebrew Academy (RASG), Tamim Academy, Yeshiva Toras Chaim, and Katz Hillel Day School.
CAJE is committed to supporting educators through meaningful professional development that strengthens school culture and promotes teacher leadership.
By investing in the mentorship of new teachers, schools are ensuring that teachers in their first years in the classroom have the support they need to be the best possible educators and ensure a vibrant future for Jewish education in our community.
For more information about the CAJE-JNTP partnership, please contact CAJE’s Director of Day School Professional Development, Valerie Mitrani: valeriemitrani@caje-miami.org
