Program Overview 

The goal of the Torrance Unified School District Teacher Induction Program is to grow the teachers of today to inspire all students to become 21st-century leaders of tomorrow. To ensure that students reach their highest potential, the program commits to supporting teachers to become lifelong, reflective learners.

The TUSD Induction program is a two-year, individualized, job-embedded program with a focus on mentoring and supporting teachers in their first years of teaching. TUSD is an equal opportunity employer that makes all personnel decisions without unlawful discrimination. These include decisions regarding the admission, retention, or graduation of students, and decisions regarding the employment, retention, or promotion of employees. Within 30 days of enrollment into the program, candidates will be paired with a mentor according to the credential(s), grade level and/or subject area, as appropriate to their employment. Together, the participating teacher and their mentor will collaboratively create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) within the first 60 days of enrollment into the Induction program. This working plan will serve as an inquiry road map for the goals candidates will focus on over the course of the next two years. The ILP is designed and implemented solely for the professional growth and development of the candidate and not for evaluation for employment purposes.

The TUSD Induction program uses a blended model that provides lesson planning, observations, analyzing student work, debriefs, one-on-one meetings with mentors, content/grade level specific support, and professional development. Once enrolled in the Induction program, candidates will be given access to the program’s online course, which will provide structure, resources, and pacing to the overall Induction experience. Teacher Induction cohort meetings are typically held at Levy Adult School on Mondays from 4:00 - 5:15 pm. 

All TUSD Induction teachers will receive an average of not less than one hour per week of individualized support/mentoring coordinated and/or provided by their mentor. Candidates and their mentor will work through a series of classroom and lesson inquiries. These inquiries are designed to help the teacher explore, question, discover, and reflect on new opportunities and possibilities that can grow their practice. Teachers will leave the program with a deeper understanding of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs), the California academic content standards, and corresponding frameworks for their discipline.