Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) has a comprehensive Teacher Induction Program to support teachers new to HCPS. Program activities are designed to encourage reflective practice, build instructional repertoire, and maximize student achievement.

The Professional Development Office coordinates an August conference designed for teachers new to HCPS. This comprehensive, congenial multi-day conference serves as a welcome and orientation to Harford County Public Schools. Time is provided for teachers to network with each other and to meet school and system personnel. Conference workshops include tips for successful classroom management, exploration of curriculum and content, and time for planning lessons for the beginning of the school year.
Contact: Jackie Tarbert ~ 410-273-5621

The Human Resources Office offers informational sessions for all newly hired HCPS employees to assist in determining participation in insurance and investment programs.
Contact: Becky Shapiro

Participants will receive training related to case management, scheduling, lesson planning for the co-teach setting and the development of IEP documents using the IEP+ computer program. This orientation program is appropriate to all newly hired individuals regardless of prior teaching experience. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet department personnel, identify available supports, and network with other new special educators.
Contact: Alicia Palmer

These hands-on workshops will give new teachers a running start in effectively using essential HCPS technology resources. To register for the correct workshop:

• Elementary Staff (K-5): Register for one Technology Literacy Workshop
• Secondary Staff (6-12): Register for one Technology Literacy Workshop AND one GradeQuick/Endline Workshop
• Special Education and other interested teachers (K-12): Register for the Diversified Learners Workshop

All teachers will need to know and understand the concepts and skills provided during the Technology Literacy Worships and secondary teachers will need an additional day to learn GradeQuick and Edline: two applications that support the student reporting and grading process. The Diversified Learners Workshop is open to all to develop an understanding of the technologies that support individual learning needs. Participants in Technology Literacy Workshops will be paid $120 for each 6 hour workshop.
Contact: Martha Barwick ~ 410-809-6118

Title I Teachers are eligible to attend the Title I conference at the Clarion Hotel in Aberdeen, Maryland. This conference is designed to support Title I teachers as they begin teaching in a Title I school. You will have the opportunity to: Understand poverty, Identify resources available to you, and Develop an awareness of procedures and expectations.
Contact: Charlotte Spangler ~ 410-588-5278

The Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS) used by Harford County Public Schools allows teachers to use either their telephone and/or their computer (via the internet) to report their absences and obtain substitute teacher coverage for those reported absences. The computerized system randomly calls registered substitutes to fill vacant assignments.

New HCPS teachers must call the SEMS system the first week of school to register. Please utilize the instructional guides below to complete the brief registration process (via the phone only) and to use the system as needed during the course of the school year. Once the phone registration process is completed an employee can use the system via the phone or internet interchangeably or exclusively according to their personal choice. Questions regarding the SEMS system can be directed to the SEMS Helpdesk at 410-809-6341 or by email to SEMS.Support@hcps.org.

• Employee Phone Reference Guide
• Employee Webcenter Guide

The Human Resources Office offers informational sessions for all newly hired HCPS employees to assist in determining participation in insurance and investment programs.
Contact: Becky Shapiro