Atlantic City schools welcome 36 new teachers for 2026-27

The district welcomed 36 new teachers, one school nurse, one guidance counselor and one new principal for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small welcomed the new employees and emphasized that they are joining a district committed to supporting educators while providing students with high-quality instruction and opportunities to succeed.

“Every person who joins the Atlantic City Public Schools becomes an important part of our mission to educate, inspire and empower our students,” Dr. Small said. “We want our new teachers and staff members to know that they are not beginning this journey alone. We have a team of administrators, mentors, colleagues and support staff who are invested in their success because when our educators succeed, our students benefit.”

Throughout the orientation, new employees received information and resources designed to help them successfully transition into their roles. They heard presentations from the district’s Technology and Business departments and learned about the district’s Mentoring Plan. There was also a presentation on Curriculum and Instruction.

Director of Human Resources Diane Saunders reviewed district policies covering sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity, inappropriate staff conduct, civility, maintaining a healthy workplace environment and the staff dress code.

“The Atlantic City Public School District is committed to providing the support and training that our new colleagues deserve in the first years in their chosen profession,” Saunders said. “We believe that a structured mentoring program will facilitate the development of a collaborative and reflective relationship between the novice teacher and the veteran teacher that will encourage content mastery and deepen the understanding of pedagogical skills.”

Saunders emphasized that new certified staff members have access to multiple resources and encouraged them to seek assistance whenever they need it.

“We don’t want people to work for one week and say, ‘I’ve had it.’ Reach out because there is enough support,” Saunders said. “The superintendent, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, your principal and others are part of your support team.”

New teachers also learned about the district’s evaluation process and the expectations they will encounter throughout the school year.

“All eyes are on new teachers,” Saunders said. “Did you do well on student achievement? Did you meet the goals of your student growth objectives?”

The orientation is part of the district’s preparation for the new school year and its effort to ensure that new educators enter their classrooms with an understanding of district expectations, available resources and the support network surrounding them.

With students preparing to return to classrooms, district leaders encouraged the new employees to build relationships with their colleagues, become active members of their school communities and remain focused on providing Atlantic City students with an engaging and supportive learning environment.

To see a gallery from the 2026-2027 Staff Orientation, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KaLzgncwXs1RiqKd7