Given that new teachers often receive difficult assignments, it is not surprising that almost 50 percent of educators leave the profession within the first five years.

Several years ago the MTA began developing programs to specifically address the needs of teachers with less than five years of classroom experience.

The New Teacher Program's goal is to provide participants with a better understanding of the teaching profession and help them make the difficult transition into their new roles.

The program includes workshops, discussions and events that promote a better understanding of the issues, rewards and challenges associated with the school workplace and the teaching profession. It also offers a way for new teachers to meet with their more experienced counterparts from around the state.

A highlight of the New Teacher Program each year is the chance to join in a mock negotiation session, with half of those present serving as school committee members and the other half serving as the union's negotiating team.

Experience over the last several years has demonstrated that participants in the New Teacher Program return to the classroom with a better understanding of their association and how to access MTA services.

They also become more enthusiastic about getting involved amd making a difference in their schools and local associations.

This is true with Amanda: she has recently become a member of the Representative Council for the Fitzerald School.

-- story adapted from article in "MTA Today" (August/September 2002)