September 15, 2025

This year, 17 new teachers began working in Hughson Schools. For a small school district, the numbers are significant, and HUSD wanted to hit the ground running, providing teachers and staff with the support they need to be successful.

“We believe that supporting our educators is the foundation of student success,” Assistant Superintendent Carrie Duckart said. “Our new teacher meetings are designed to provide guidance, resources, and collaboration opportunities that help teachers succeed in their classrooms. These gatherings allow teachers to build connections with colleagues, learn best practices, and feel supported as they grow professionally, regardless of whether they have experience or are new to the profession. By investing in our teachers from the very beginning, we strengthen the learning environment for every student and ensure a culture of excellence across our schools. It strengthens teacher retention and helps them to understand how Hughson is such a unique and special community.”

This includes a long-standing tradition of hosting a new teacher day before the rest of the staff returns, welcoming them, introducing them to the district, and sharing important information for their success. New teachers eat together that day and go on a tour of the community and schools.

HUSD provides a two-year induction program for teachers new to the profession through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. It supports mentoring and professional learning so they can clear their preliminary credential, grow in confidence and effectiveness and remain in the profession long-term. As part of this program, each new teacher at Hughson is also paired with a veteran teacher in their grade level or department so they can ask questions and get materials or supplies that they need. 

HUSD will also hold nine new teacher meetings throughout the year, beginning on August 27. The first meeting focused on the district’s multi-tiered systems (MTSS) of support in the areas of academics, behavior and social-emotional. The following meeting focused on student data on math and reading in iReady. Future meetings will include AI/Magic School, Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners, Trauma-Informed Practices, and more.

Monthly meetings do more than just inform. “At the district level, we have monthly meetings as a way to check in with our new teachers and to help them get to know each other and our district programs that are used at all of our sites,” Superintendent Brenda Smith said.

“These multi-tiered supports help our new teachers feel supported and a part of a team,” Smith said, who also taught in Hughson schools. “It is very isolating to begin a new teaching assignment if you do not have people you can turn to for any questions you might have. Our goal is that our new teachers feel supported, love working in our district, and plan to stay with us throughout their careers.”

New teachers were surveyed to assess how supported they feel. Duckart reported, “100% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they have access to the resources and materials they need to be successful, have adequate support from colleagues and administration, feel comfortable asking for help and feel welcomed and integrated into the school community.”