​​​BSF supports the recruitment and retention of high-caliber educators in the Bainbridge Island School district through financial support of our educator induction program and continued professional development. The financial support  provided by BSF allow us to expand impact of the application-based annual state grant (BEST funds) to ensure all novice and new-to-district educators receive consistent and specific support from an experienced educator (Educator Support Specialist), a mentor teacher, and professional learning opportunities throughout the school year. Additionally, BSF funds allow building principals to fund professional development for whole-staff, teaching teams, or individual teachers throughout the school year, based on school improvement plan goals and current initiatives. This flexibility in funding has been critical to move forward the work of the BISD District Improvement Plan.

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• Educator Support Specialist as key member of Beginner Educator Support Team (BEST)

• Mentor teachers assigned to novice or new to district teachers to provide support

• Regular meetings with Educator Support Specialist, Mentor Teachers, Novice Teachers

• Professional Development focused on Washington State Instructional Framework 

• Learning walks and observations in classrooms across the district

• funding to support extra hour pay and release time (substitute costs)​

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• Funds provided for building principals to facilitate whole staff professional learning

• Individual funding opportunities for certificated staff members to attend training

• Flexibility to allow principals to identify need and provide meaningful learning experiences​​