Fran Greb of Human Ecology knows the first years as a new teacher can
be scary and uncertain. "There is so much to learn as a beginning
teacher, and many, unfortunately, leave the profession because they are
not given enough support," she said.
To help novice teachers, Greb organized a support group so recent graduates
can meet to discuss ideas, share experiences and get answers to questions
they may not ask in their own school setting. "Through this program
I want to offer support to our graduates who are getting started in their
teaching careers," Greb said.
The first meeting, held Oct. 25, attracted 50 teachers from Newark and
Bergen County. The group operates similar to a student-teaching seminar
at which topics for discussion are generated from among the group based
on specific needs. "Participants will be encouraged to bring up issues
and share their ideas of what works in the classroom," Greb said,
adding that she hopes to bring in guest speakers for future meetings.
"Whoever said you can't go home again obviously didn't graduate from
Montclair State," she said. "We want our graduates to know they
have an anchor. Just because they graduated doesn't mean MSU doesn't still
care about them."
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18.