In Jefferson County, the process for welcoming new teachers has shifted to a member-led approach, according to the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA). Classroom educators now lead induction sessions, aiming to create stronger relationships among staff. Collin Ferraro, an English teacher at Wheat Ridge High School and chair of JCEA’s Early Career Educator Action Team, is leading this initiative.
“I remember coming into the induction process in 2019, and it was just so impersonal,” Ferraro said. “It was like 100 people in a session—just faceless entities all around. Over the last couple years, we’ve really worked hard on adding that personal touch. Smaller rooms, one-on-one conversations. It feels more intimate, and it fosters community and connection.”
Brooke Williams highlighted the importance of members taking an active role in welcoming newcomers: “It’s one thing to sit through induction, but it’s another to say, ‘I want to be the person welcoming the next group,’” she said. “That’s how you build a culture of solidarity—members leading members.”
During these induction sessions, new educators receive guidance not only about their district but also about union membership. Members lead discussions on topics such as evaluations and contract understanding while addressing practical concerns from early career teachers. These interactions often continue informally over lunch breaks.
Ferraro noted that many volunteers returning this year were themselves inducted last year: “Most of the new volunteers I talked to this year, I first met when they were new teachers last year at induction,” he said. “To see them come back to volunteer is incredible. It means the connections we’re making during induction are paying off.”
He also described a close partnership between JCEA and the district’s induction team: “I didn’t realize how rare this was until I heard from other locals,” Ferraro said. “I’m super thankful for the partnership we’ve built and for the fact that members—not just staff—are at the center of induction.”
According to JCEA, their goal extends beyond orientation by emphasizing that new teachers join a supportive community from their first day.
