New teachers and allied health professionals hired by the province's school districts have received welcome kits to support them in their new roles.
The kits are part of retention efforts for teachers, speech language pathologists, social workers and school psychologists.
"For students, a strong start to the school year can make a real difference, and that starts with making sure the people supporting them have what they need," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "These kits will give teachers and allied health professionals practical tools to help create welcoming, supportive classrooms from the very first day. It's a small but meaningful way we can support the professionals who work with our students every day, while helping set New Brunswick children up to learn, grow and reach their full potential. We are grateful to everyone who shared their experience and helped shape these kits."
Various stakeholders and professional associations were consulted in the development of the kits, including school districts, the New Brunswick Teachers' Association, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, and the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers.
"At the Francophone sud school district, welcoming and supporting our new staff members is essential to helping them begin their professional journey with confidence," said district superintendent Monique Boudreau. "This welcome kit is a great way of extending them a warm welcome and recognizing the importance of their contribution. We hope this will help create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued and fully integrated from the moment they join our team."
"The work our teachers and allied health professionals do has a tremendous impact on the nearly 25,000 students and families across our district," said David McTimoney, superintendent of Anglophone West School District. "We have a responsibility as a school system to create an environment where the people doing that important work feel valued, equipped and supported. We are grateful for this initiative and for the thoughtful welcome it provides to professionals beginning their journey with us."
In addition to a welcome message and onboarding documents, the kits have accessories that are tailored to each profession. For example, kits for speech language pathologists include items such as a hand mirror and bubble wands, which are often used in their work with students.
Creating consistent onboarding for teachers and allied health professionals working in the education sector was one of the needs identified in the department's retention and recruitment strategy released last December.
"We know how exciting the first week of school is, and we want it to be just as memorable for new professionals," said Johnson. "We will continue to work with our partners to build an inclusive, stimulating and rewarding work culture where school professionals feel valued, respected, empowered and supported."
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