What training do I get, and is it required?
Every pilot teacher completes the self-paced onboarding course before teaching. It runs about an hour and covers what the program is, how to navigate your course, how a lesson works, and the supports built in for every learner. Live sessions are available to districts in guided or in-person tiers - please reach out to your Newsela contact for more information.
Where do i find the training course?
Your Newsela contact sends you the link when your access is set up. If you cannot find it, ask your coach or administrator first, then contact support.
What is in the training?
Four short modules: the program's mission and the research behind it, how to navigate your course and unit resources, how to read and teach a lesson, and how to support every student including multilingual learners and students who need scaffolds or extensions. That course covers core ELA. Designated ELD and high school have their own training.
Is there live training or coaching?
It depends on your district's pilot package. Some districts get virtual sessions, some get in-person sessions and coaching days, and every district gets the self-paced course plus access to their Newsela team. Your administrator knows which applies to you.
I finished the training but I still do not feel ready. What should I do next?
Teach one lesson end to end before you plan a whole week. The structure repeats, so once you have run one lesson the rest of the unit reads much faster. Then go back to the training module on lesson structure with your own lesson open next to it.
Are there short videos I can watch instead of reading?
Yes. There is a growing video library covering the reasoning behind the design, where things live in the program, and how to run specific routines at the point of use. Ask your Newsela contact for the current set.
Can my coach or administrator see the same training?
Yes. Coaches and administrators have their own guidance, including what to look for in a walkthrough and how to run a team debrief, and they can take the self-guided online course too.
Will I get help during the pilot, or only at the start?
All the way through. You get a short weekly message tied to where you are in the unit, with one thing to try, and you can ask a question at any time through the help option in the platform. Your customer success representative also checks in along the way, so you are supported at every step.