PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The first day of school in Philadelphia is three weeks away, but new teachers are already getting familiar with the district.
“I’m geared up. I’m looking forward to it. Looking forward to helping the kids, working with everybody on my team. It’s an exciting time,” said Tom Papi, who is starting as a counselor at James Rhoads Elementary.
District administrators welcomed 700 new teachers and counselors to a week-long orientation program Monday at School of the Future in Parkside to help them prepare for the school year that begins Sept. 5.
“I want new people to see my face and hear my voice so that they know firsthand that we’re excited that they chose the School District of Philadelphia,” said Superintendent Tony Watlington. “We don’t take that lightly.”
According to a 2023 Penn State study, 7.7% of Pennsylvania’s teaching force left their jobs from one year to the next. For reasons like this, Watlington says Philadelphia is making a special effort to keep its teachers.
“We think the key is that, as we welcome new people today, both teachers and counselors, we’re going to be really clear when we talk to them about it — will be our intention to support, develop, and most important, to retain them,” he said.
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Fanta Mshindi previously taught at two charters and will be starting as a teacher at Girls High this fall.
She said she’s been preparing for what’s ahead.
“How to be more patient and reflective of our students and where they’re at, how to make sure I give them what they need. How, also, I give myself what I need.”
And that’s also something Watlington emphasized – that teachers need a support network for the inevitable days when things don’t go well.
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