Every fall, classrooms welcome new faces. Not just students, but teachers too. With so many new hires stepping into math classrooms this year, it is easy to forget how overwhelming those first weeks can feel. New curriculum. New routines. New expectations. And all eyes on you.

At NTN, we remember exactly what that feels like, because we have been there. Every member of our team has stood in front of a classroom, figuring out how to keep thirty students engaged while also learning the pacing guide, handling assessments, and just trying to make it to Friday. That is why we believe professional development at the start of the year matters so much.

Why the Beginning of the Year Counts

The first weeks of school set the tone. Teachers are building relationships, setting routines, and learning where students need the most support. For a new math teacher, it is also the moment they are trying to find their own confidence. The right professional development in September gives them strategies they can use the very next day, and that makes a world of difference.

Confidence Teachers Can Feel

We know PD only works if teachers walk away with something they can actually use. That means:

  • Routines for building number sense that fit into a 10-minute warm-up.
  • Quick checks for understanding so you can spot gaps before they grow.
  • Simple, hands-on activities that get kids talking about math.

When new teachers have these tools in their pocket, they feel more confident. And when teachers feel confident, students do too.

Why It Matters for Leaders

For principals, early PD is not just about making life easier for teachers (though it does). It is about building stability. New teachers who feel supported are far more likely to stay, which means less turnover, fewer emergency hires, and more consistency for kids. Investing in professional development is really an investment in your staff, and in the culture of your school.

Our Approach

At NTN, we keep it real. Our professional development is designed by people who have lived it. We know what it is like to need something practical on Monday morning, and we build training that delivers exactly that. From planning and data analysis to ongoing coaching and standards-based resources like MathKEYmatics, we focus on giving new teachers a strong start and ongoing support all year long. Because when teachers thrive, students thrive. And that is why we do this work. Click here to speak with Toya about the PD needs at your school