McDowell County Schools

McDowell County School District, nestled in the scenic western region of North Carolina against the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, serves approximately 6,000 students across 15 public schools. The district is dedicated to Inspiring Success by being future-focused, student-centered, and mission-driven.

Our mission is to deliver excellence in education, engaging students in collaboration, communication, and innovation to ensure they graduate ready to achieve success and positively shape the future. We embrace core values that prioritize making data-driven decisions, setting high expectations, and creating conditions that meet students' academic, social, emotional, physical, and cultural needs. We stress the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and ensuring our schools are safe, nurturing environments where curiosity and excitement for learning thrive.

The district comprises eight elementary schools (PK-5): Eastfield Global Magnet, Glenwood, Marion, Nebo, North Cove, Old Fort, Pleasant Gardens, and West Marion Elementary. Three middle schools (6-8) serve our students: East McDowell, Foothills Community School, and West McDowell Middle. High school students (9-12) attend McDowell High, McDowell Early College, or McDowell Academy for Innovation, while The Summit Academy provides education for grades 6-12.

In all we do, we emphasize the importance of daily attendance, creating a culture of achievement for both students and adults, and fostering a collaborative environment rooted in great customer service, respect, compassion, and a strong work ethic.

McDowell County Schools Beginning Teacher Program

The Beginning Teacher Support Program is a state-mandated, three-year induction program designed to support beginning teachers. The program is structured so that the experiences of beginning teachers are positive and focused on the knowledge, skills, and qualities associated with effective teaching. They work closely with Lead Teachers and Mentors to grow and foster healthy teaching careers. The support program's plat form is aligned with the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, the North Carolina Educator Effectiveness System.

Three Year Beginning Teacher Cycle

Year 1

The beginning teacher:

• is assigned a mentor
• is provided an orientation
• develops a Professional Development Plan
• completes any professional development required/prescribed by the LEA
• is observed at least four times culminating with a summative evaluation

Year 2

The beginning teacher:

• continues to have a mentor teacher
• updates the Professional Development Plan
• completes any professional development required/prescribed by the LEA
• is observed at least four times culminating with a summative evaluation

Year 3

The beginning teacher:

• continues to have a mentor teacher
• updates Professional Development Plan
• completes any professional development required/prescribed by the LEA
• is observed at least four times culminating with a summative evaluation