Laying the Groundwork: A Cohort for New and Early-Career Science Educators is a year-long professional learning experience from Region 4 ESC designed to build sustainable, high-quality teaching practices for new and alternatively certified educators. Through a blend of in-person sessions, virtual workshops, and one-on-one virtual coaching, participants will strengthen classroom management skills, develop strategies for teaching varied learners, and gain ready-to-use tools that support high-quality instruction. This cohort builds teacher capacity, promotes retention, and connects educators to a supportive professional community—ensuring a strong foundation for long-term success in the science classroom. This cohort includes:
- Three (3) Full-Day In-Person PD Sessions, including the R4 Science Conference (6 hours each = 18 hours)
- Three (3) Virtual After-School Workshops (1.5 hours each = 4.5 hours)
- Three (3) Coaching Meetings (0.5 hour each = 1.5 hours)
- R4 Science Product (print/digital combination) with asynchronous training (6 hours)
- R4 Printed Resource with Digital Access
- A complete set of K-12 Science TEKS Charts