New teachers in the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) system are benefiting from a new initiative called "Newbie Networking Nights." This program is designed to connect new educators with experienced mentors and community resources, as part of the Peer Assistance and Review Program. The aim is to help new teachers establish relationships that will enhance their professional growth.

Shirley Easley, a Teacher Mentor/Evaluator involved in the program, stated, “we’re here to support the teacher with whatever they need in relation to their teaching and their students.” The initiative offers various opportunities for informal connections and resource sharing. These include sessions at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library’s Makerspace and special shopping nights at Crayons to Computers.

The goal of these activities is to foster a supportive environment for new educators as they begin their careers. Glenetta Krause, another teacher mentor/evaluator, shared her personal experience: “I was really struggling and someone in this role came in and said, ‘here’s what you can do better and here’s what’s not going so well. Let’s fix this,’” she recalled. Krause emphasized the importance of having peers who can provide insights that administrators may overlook.