UNTcBESS

About UNTxBESS

We are a vibrant learning community of UNT beginning teachers, mentors, and supervisors working to ensure a successful first year experience and ongoing professional development.
We provide a structured practicum experience for UNT Post-Baccalaureate students with Probationary Certificates.
TxBESS activities are based on statewide Texas Beginning Educator Support System Standards (TxBESS) and TExES Pedagogy & Professional Responsibility Standards
UNTxBESS provides a collection of resources for improving EC-12 student learning in the classes of these first year teachers.
First year teachers receive timely feedback via classroom visits, e-mail and online discussions, and seminars.

To ensure that EC-12 STUDENTS of UNTxBESS teachers have the best learning experiences possible.
To ensure that UNTxBESS teachers use an expanding knowledge base and repertoire of skills related to instruction, assessment, classroom environment, communication, and professional development so that they receive satisfactory evaluations from campus administrators.
To improve the job satisfaction among beginning teachers with probationary certificates.
To learn more about mentoring, supervisory, and assessment practices that best support beginning teachers in Texas.

through supporting ENGAGED EC-12 STUDENT LEARNING. The learning and success of students is the paramount goal of the teacher education enterprise.
through INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE . UNTxBESS teachers will be proactive in building a professional support system that can continue beyond their initial year.
through SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. Whenever possible, UNT personnel will share the responsibility for induction with school personnel and invite their participation in this vital learning community.
through COLLABORATIVE REFLECTION, ACTION AND INQUIRY. Interactions among UNTxBESS teachers and their mentors and supervisors will focus on a research-based model of critical reflection designed to enhance professional learning for everyone. These questions guide that process:
- What is happening? What is working? What seems not to be working?
- So what does that mean?
- Now what shall we do about it?
through DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE SUPPORT FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS. Resources, materials, and mentoring activities will acknowledge the evolving needs and perceptions of first year teachers.
through COMMUNICATION. Multiple communication channels will provide access to information and timely response to questions and requests for support.

Support from the UNTxBESS Mentoring Team
Two UNTxBESS Half-Day Consultations per semester
Online support at least weekly
Small group problem-solving and debriefing sessions (scheduled as needed by Supervisors
Classroom visits by UNT Supervisor
Resources offering procedures and ideas