Imagine the excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a bit of nervousness your new teachers feel as they step into their classrooms for the first time, especially during this historic moment when New York schools are significantly reducing class sizes (Chalkbeat, 2025). They’re eager, passionate, and ready to make a difference—but without the right support, this initial enthusiasm can quickly give way to feelings of frustration, isolation, and overwhelm. In fact, research highlights that nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years, often due to inadequate support, overwhelming workloads, and lack of mentorship (Learning Policy Institute, 2023). Additionally, a recent University of Missouri study found that a staggering 78% of teachers have considered quitting post-pandemic, underscoring the urgency to provide intentional support from day one (University of Missouri, 2025).

That’s where The Spark Series steps in.

What is Spark? Personalized, Collaborative, Impactful

What sets Spark apart? The Spark Series is a flexible, year-long professional learning experience, structured as a community of practice to empower new teachers through evidence-based, job-embedded coaching directly aligned with your instructional vision. Spark is intentionally personalized to your school’s unique goals, culture, and student needs, and is guided by a dynamic team of National Board Certified Teachers, acclaimed authors, and leading experts in education.

Choose from essential, high-impact topics that matter most:

  • Explicit instruction to clearly model concepts and skills through gradual release of responsibility.
  • Differentiated small-group instruction tailored to individual student needs.
  • Systematic phonemic awareness, phonics, and foundational spelling instruction.
  • Strategic instruction focused on developing reading fluency and deep comprehension.
  • Mathematical thinking emphasizing robust problem-solving and fluency.
  • MTSS strategies for targeted goal-setting and continuous progress monitoring.
  • Positive behavior supports and proactive classroom management routines.
  • Culturally responsive practices that honor and amplify student identities.

Customize the delivery format—select from in-person workshops to foster personal connections, flexible online sessions, or a hybrid approach that suits your school’s rhythm. SPARK offers flexible options: collaborate with a cohort of schools for strategic resource sharing, or focus exclusively on your school’s individual needs.

Lighting a Path of Success for New Teachers

At its core, The Spark Series offers far more than traditional professional development—it’s a lifeline. It transforms potential isolation into genuine connection, moving educators from merely surviving their first years in the classroom to confidently thriving. Created explicitly to address the distinctive challenges facing NYC schools during this critical hiring period, Spark equips your newest educators with the tools and support they need to flourish.

More Than Training—It’s Community

But Spark isn’t just training—it’s a connection. Your new teachers will not only build skills; they’ll build lasting relationships. Through shared experiences, peer problem-solving, and continuous collaboration, they’ll form a resilient professional network. This community-focused approach ensures your educators remain engaged, confident, and committed, directly enhancing student outcomes and enriching your school’s culture.

Your Teachers Deserve the Best Start Possible

As NY schools make unprecedented strides toward reducing class sizes, investing in new educators through robust, intentional support is essential. Choosing The Spark Series means investing in the future—not just of your teachers, but of every student they impact.

Let’s ignite success together —

Dr. Paul Bloomberg, Author-School Improvement Coach
Core Collaborative Learning Network

References

  • Chalkbeat. (2025). Schools Prepare for Hiring Spree to Reduce Class Sizes. Retrieved from
  • Learning Policy Institute. (2023). Teacher Turnover: Why It Matters and What We Can Do About It.
  • University of Missouri. (2025). Study Reveals Why Teachers are Leaving the Classroom in the Post-Pandemic Era.