• Provide new teachers with an overview of the curriculum they will teach.
• Help new teachers acquire techniques and strategies for effective classroom management.
• Provide basic training on teaching literacy across the disciplines.
• Provide basic training on creating equitable classrooms.

New Teacher Training Programs
Beginning teachers are required in their first year to have training in Classroom Management. Teachers who do not take the courses during the summer are required to take the courses during the school year after contractual hours. Beginning teachers, with the assistance of their mentors, are also required to develop and implement an Action Plan focused on Classroom Management.

Second year teachers and experienced teachers new to Rockwood are required to have training in Assessment for Learning.  Teachers who do not take the courses during the summer are required to take the courses during the school year after contractual hours. Second year teachers and experienced teachers new to Rockwood, are required, with the assistance of their mentors, are also required to develop and implement an Action Plan focused on Assessment for Learning.

Third year teachers are required to have training in Differentiated Instruction. This training is accomplished during the summer or school year with release time provided. Third year teachers are required, with the assistance of the District Coaches for Acceleration and Differentiation, are also required to develop and implement an Action Plan focused on Differentiated Instruction.

Principals are required to monitor and support teacher implementation of the above training through observations and post-conferences, since these required courses are part of the teacher evaluation process. On-site training in the Supervision of Assessment for Learning and Supervision of Differentiated Instruction are required for new administrators each year.

The district provides an abundance of technology training during the summer. During the school year, technology instruction is available upon request, at the school site. Tutorials in Microsoft Outlook and Infinite Campus set-up are available for teachers on the District’s Professional Development website. RITTS (Rockwood Instructional Technology Teaching Strategies) training is conducted each school year for teachers in grades K-8.

Beginning Teacher Assistance Program
In partnership with Maryville University, Rockwood School District implements a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program to assist beginning teachers in fulfilling this Missouri certification requirement. The Beginning Teacher Assistance program provides specific information, practice and reflection for new teachers. The content of this program addresses classroom management, instructional practices, professional planning and certification requirements. Teacher facilitators under the Coordinator of Professional Development plan and conduct these training sessions.