This portion of the website is dedicated to teachers who are new to USDB. Welcome!!
We are thrilled to have you as part of our team, and have implemented several different programs to support you as you grow from a novice teacher into a master teacher. All teachers who hold a Level 1 license in the state of Utah are part of the Entry Years Enhancement program. This program includes several features:
1) Mentoring
You will be assigned a mentor by your USDB Educational Program Director. Your mentor will work with you throughout the first 3 years. Your mentor will visit with you at least monthly to answer your basic everyday questions about teaching and about policies/procedures at USDB. Whenever you're not sure what to do, your mentor is the first person to ask.
2) Evaluations
Your Educational Program Director will provide you with 2 evaluations each school year. One of these evaluations is scheduled, and one is unscheduled. For both evalutions, your Educational Program Director will meet with you after to review areas of strength and areas for improvement. Work with your Educational Program Director for support as you improve your skills as a teacher.
3) Assessment
Prior to your application for the Level 2 License, you must pass the Praxis II exam "Principles of Teaching and Learning". You must score at least 160 or above on test #0521, 0522, 5023, or 0524. Take the test that best fits your teaching experience.
4) Portfolio
You will create a professional portfolio as a demonstration of your professional growth toward mastery of the Utah Professional Teacher Standards. A portfolio rubric is available with ideas about the types of evidence that may be common for USDB teachers. Your mentor will help you develop the portfolio, which you will share with your Educational Program Director as you approach the end of your 3rd year of teaching.
5) Highly Qualified
You must be Highly Qualified in at least one license area or endorsement, as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act. You are strongly encouraged to be Highly Qualified in the area that best fits your teaching assignment.