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ard building will be minimal. By simply logging on to the district's website, and most of them are quite comprehensive you can find the information discussed throughout this book.

Regardless, be sure to visit your district before school begins and attend any early school year meetings that are geared to helping you navigate your way around the district departments.
Your District's School Board and Mission Statement

Most relevant to districts structure and to you and your students is its mission statement. The mission statement starts with your district's school board. The board is made up of elected officials headed, by a superintendent who is appointed by the board. This board has a vision for the education of the district's students which will be reflected in a mission statement. The following is an example of a mission statement from a New Jersey school district in Morris County:

The mission of the East Hanover School District is to prepare our young people to be positive, contributing members of society. Through a diversified curriculum which incorporates the expectation that all students achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards(NJCCCS) at all grade levels and a school environment that fosters self-esteem, independent thinking, and respect for individual differences, we provide our students with the skills and experiences necessary to assist them in achieving their fullest potential as unique individuals and to meet the challenges of life.

Similar, common sense, all encompassing practical statements are designed and maintained by a multitude of districts. If yours has one, keep it close by. You can take the district mission statement, along with your school's mission statement and create one your own that encompasses your professional goals as an instructor in your county Use it as a summarized guide for the expectations you must meet as teacher.

You will see your districts mission statement in action on a daily basis. However, if you wish to get to know your school board members and learn how your district facilitates and maintains the integrity of its mission statement, attend a school board meeting. Districts post their meetings on their website or newsletter and are often held on the same day of each week or month, during evening hours. District meetings are public forums, anyone is invited to attend and with prior notification has the right to speak.. They can be long and drawn out, but you will find everything from subsidy debates, to calendar decisions, and perhaps even some protesters bucking the latest teaching trend or funding fiasco.

Certification

Your district's Certification department is your credential keeper and does not stop monitoring your accomplishments once you have completed your initial teaching requirements. Many districts offer added compensation for additional degrees or certification specialties. Also, your certification department will know what type of tuition reimbursement plans are offered. It is advisable to find someone knowledgeable in that department by checking with experienced teachers.

Additionally, throughout your career you will have to renew your certification ever few years with professional development points covered in detail in Chapter 3. Find the department and stay in touch with them periodically to ensure you are up to date on whatever requisite