Teaching to ThriveDrexel University
For new teachers

Your first year, with someone in your corner.

Teaching to Thrive helps you feel confident from week one. Learn online at your own pace (most teachers finish in 4 weeks or less), and practice in your own classroom with a friendly, experienced coach.

Learn at your own pace

Most finish in 4 weeks or less. You have up to 6 weeks.

About 10 hours online

Short videos, readings, and reflections on Canvas.

4 hours of one-on-one coaching

From an expert early childhood educator, typically 1 hour a week for 4 weeks.

Drexel certificate

Earn a Certificate of Completion from Drexel University.

$200 stipend

For grant-funded teachers (Philadelphia STAR 3 & 4 centers), paid when you complete the program.

What you'll learn

10 topics every new teacher needs

Each topic includes guidance for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

  1. 1

    Setting up your classroom

    Create a safe, welcoming, well-organized learning space.

  2. 2

    Classroom management & social-emotional learning

    Build routines and relationships that help children thrive.

  3. 3

    Assessment

    Observe, document, and understand each child's growth.

  4. 4

    Emergent curriculum & Lesson planning

    Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate learning.

  5. 5

    Professionalism & the NAEYC Code of Ethics

    Grow your professional identity and ethical practice.

  6. 6

    Family engagement

    Partner with families as a child's first teachers.

  7. 7

    Cultural competence

    Honor every child's culture, language, and community.

  8. 8

    Inclusion

    Support children of all abilities to learn together.

  9. 9

    Getting support & understanding referrals

    Know when and how to connect children to services.

  10. 10

    Self-care & teacher resiliency

    Manage stress and build a long, healthy career.

Your coach

Real support, in your real classroom.

Your coach has 10+ years of early childhood experience. Together you'll set up your room, plan lessons, and try new ideas, then talk about what worked.

Teachers in our pilot reported less stress and more confidence.
More than half were promoted, most often to lead teacher.
A coach and a new teacher talking together

How do I join?

Your center director registers you. Ask your director about Teaching to Thrive, or share this page with them.

Share with my director

Hired someone new? Get them started this month.

Registration takes about 3 minutes. Free for Philadelphia STAR 3 & 4 centers; other centers can join on a sliding fee scale.

Register your teachers