The Career in Teaching Program (CIT)  is a collaboration between the Rochester City School District and the Rochester Teachers Association that provides customized, comprehensive, classroom-centered support from vetted and trained Lead Teacher-Mentors to all new district teachers and service providers (“CIT Interns”) as part of a 30-year-old, nationally recognized peer assistance and review program.  The landmark collective bargaining agreement of 1988 established a career ladder that encourages professional growth, strengthens teacher retention, and offers leadership opportunities to accomplished teachers without leaving the classroom.  (See CIT Guidebook for Interns.)

Besides working with first-year Intern Teachers, CIT Lead Teachers provide several other types of support:

Professional Support is voluntary peer coaching provided to “Resident” or “Professional” teachers with the goal of improving practice. Click here to learn more: www.rcsdk12.org/CIT/ProfessionalSupport.  

Independent Evaluation is provided by mentors who are trained to evaluate colleagues using the Framework for Teaching (Danielson) rubric as part of APPR. (see www.rcsdk12.org/CIT/APPR). 

Intervention Support is voluntary peer coaching designed to “offer all available resources to help improve the performance of experienced teachers who are having serious difficulties in the performance of their professional duties” (RTA-RCSD Contract Section 53).