The Crossroads Chamber hosted new teachers from across the Region at Whitehawk Country Club with a luncheon on Tuesday, August 8. It was an excellent opportunity for new teachers to meet each other in addition to connecting with local businesses.
“This event is important to us because we are welcoming the new teachers into the communities that we serve,” said Jennifer Green, director of special events at the Crossroads Chamber. “We have several different partners in the community. They're here today to welcome the teachers and to see if they can help the teachers as they're beginning their careers.”
Various sponsors and local businesses like NW Indiana ER & Hospital were present at the event to support the teachers. NW Indiana ER & Hospital even provided some of the prizes for the raffle giveaway. It was all about supporting the teachers as they enter the new school year.
“The Crossroads Chamber has always been a great partner with us,” said Todd Terrill, superintendent of Crown Point Community School Corporation. “The way they value our new teachers as they come in and try to make them feel at home. I think it's a great event because it brings three different districts together and allows our teachers to kind of get to know other people that are here. It is just a great way for them to start and welcome them here to the Northwest Indiana area.”
Porter Township School Corporation, Crown Point Community School Corporation, and Merrillville Community School Corporation all attended with their new teachers.
“What we've been doing through our new teacher orientation is welcoming them into the family of education and the family of teachers,” said Dr. Stacey Schmidt, superintendent of Porter Township School Corporation. “I feel like this is an awesome opportunity to not only welcome them but to help them see they're part of a bigger family in Northwest Indiana that prioritizes kids. I think we've got the most amazing new teachers in all of Indiana, and I'm excited to see what they do for our kids.”
All three of the school district superintendents gave remarks at the luncheon with advice and well wishes on a new school year.
“Have patience,” said Nick Brown, superintendent of Merrillville Community School Corporation. “If you're coming to a new school, corporation, or new into the profession, give yourself time to learn about the culture of the organization. Learn about the building you are in and take the time to really get to know the students that personally know what their interests and dreams are. Just take your time. It'll all come. It's a nice long school year, but take those first couple of weeks just to get to know the students and your colleagues.”
The Crossroads have been doing a new teacher luncheon since the beginning of the chamber. There were about 120 new teachers at the luncheon on Tuesday.
“It's an honor for the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce to be able to pause today as they get ready for their new academic year and their new professional journey,” said Dr. Michael White, chair of the Education Division of the Crossroads Chamber. “Some of them are brand new out of college and their first teaching assignment. Others of them are in transition to a different school. It's just our honor to recognize them and let them know they are appreciated for what they do. They do a lot and give a lot of hours. Go the extra mile to teach, educate, and love to serve the future leaders in Northwest Indiana.”
To learn more about the Crossroads Chamber, visit crossroadschamber.org.