In Jefferson County, the new teacher induction process has shifted from a traditional orientation to a more personal and member-driven experience. The Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA) has made changes so that classroom educators now lead the sessions, helping to build stronger relationships among teachers.
Collin Ferraro, an English teacher at Wheat Ridge High School and chair of JCEA’s Early Career Educator Action Team, described his own introduction to teaching as impersonal. “I remember coming into the induction process in 2019, and it was just so impersonal,” Ferraro said. “It was like 100 people in a session—just faceless entities all around. Over the last couple years, we’ve really worked hard on adding that personal touch. Smaller rooms, one-on-one conversations. It feels more intimate, and it fosters community and connection.”
The approach now emphasizes involvement by experienced members who want to welcome new educators themselves. Brooke Williams commented on this shift: “It’s one thing to sit through induction, but it’s another to say, ‘I want to be the person welcoming the next group.’ That’s how you build a culture of solidarity—members leading members.”
During these sessions, new teachers are introduced not only to their district but also to their union community. Sessions cover topics such as evaluations and contract understanding while allowing space for practical questions from early career educators. These discussions often continue informally over lunch as teachers form connections within their local communities.
Ferraro noted the positive results of this change: “Most of the new volunteers I talked to this year, I first met when they were new teachers last year at induction,” he said. “To see them come back to volunteer is incredible. It means the connections we’re making during induction are paying off.”
He also highlighted cooperation between JCEA and district officials in shaping the induction program: “I didn’t realize how rare this was until I heard from other locals,” Ferraro said. “I’m super thankful for the partnership we’ve built and for the fact that members—not just staff—are at the center of induction.”
For JCEA leaders, welcoming new teachers goes beyond routine orientation; it is about building a lasting sense of belonging among peers with ongoing support throughout their careers.
