JPS Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Whitaker, welcomed the new teachers and staff members on the first day.

“There are lots of jobs,” Whitaker told the group. “You can make widgets and make sales. You can make a radio show. You can make videos. But only here can you make a difference every single day with any number of different kids, so if you are here to make a difference, you are in the right place. After 35 years of being in this business, the thing that does sustain you is making a difference, changing lives, and having an impact so that at the end of your career you can say you did something worthwhile.”

The new staff members come from a diverse background — some are first-time teachers fresh out of college, others are veterans from different parts of the region and country, while others are returning to the classroom after going back to school.

Regina Gerace will serve as an interventionist at Persell Middle School this year.

New Jamestown Public Schools teachers Alexandria Vecchio and Logan Stutzman share a laugh during New Teacher and Staff Orientation in mid-August.

“After the completion of 21 years of homeschooling my children K-12, I am excited and thankful to be continuing my teaching career at Persell Middle School,” she said. “There is no other school district that I would rather bring my commitment and passion for teaching.”

The group spent three days meeting and learning with representatives from the Jamestown Teachers’ Association, staff development office, student support services, human resources, and information services.

The new staff members worked with Jennifer Hobbs, Coordinator of School Improvement & Innovation and Christina Spontaneo and Norma DeJoy, district instructional coaches to familiarize themselves with the district, its instructional practices, professional development opportunities, and logistics surrounding observation practices. District principals also had the chance to work with the new staff on best professional practices at school.

Finally, the group rounded out the orientation with Jeff Kresge and Jason Kathman, technology integration coaches, to learn about the district’s technology platforms as well as best practices in using technology to enhance learning.

“We are so pleased to welcome our new teachers and staff to Jamestown Public Schools and look forward to working with them to help provide a supportive environment as they begin their careers with us,” said Hobbs. “The new teacher and staff orientation is the first phase of a multi-faceted Induction Program focused on supporting their success and professional growth. Throughout the school year, additional opportunities will be provided to assist them in meeting their professional goals, and assuring that JPS students have the very best education.”