teacher development

We will:

Define a model mentoring program which will:

• Identify successful mentoring programs:

• Set standards and outline mentor skills training:
  • professional experience
    
  • managerial skills
    
  • instructional
    
  • communication skills
    
  • observation skills
    
  • modeling reflective practice
    
  • modeling professional participation


• Establish mentor training guidelines:


• Establish guidelines for selection of mentors:
• retirees
  
• university professors
  
• state organizations (on-line process)
  
• cross-language peers
  
• department chairs/peers


• Recommend build-in rewards/recognition for mentors and mentees:
  • stipends
    
  • recertification points /in-service credit
    
  • organizational public recognition
    
  • allow release time (discussion indicated that we felt this should be a requirement in a model mentoring program, not just a reward)

• Describe model core program for mentoring process:extended time (1-3 years)
  
  • training classes (6-8 sessions?)
    
  • match mentors to candidate teachers
    
  • allows release time for mentors
    
  • model for professional participation
    
  • provides in-school on-going orientation
    
  • provides intervention process
    
  • is information conduit
    
  • has administrative and financial support
    
  • examines appropriate research
    
  • includes follow-up procedures


• Give guidelines for administrative and financial support:

• Identify mentee candidates:
  • beginning/probationary teachers
  • alternative certificate candidates
    
  • heritage/native speakers
    
  • experienced teachers in a new environment
    
  • marginal teachers
    
  • isolated teachers

• Outline mentee participation:
  • attend core sessions on a variety of skills development
    
  • meet and communicate regularly with mentor
    
  • develop a portfolio including self-improvement plan and self-reflection
    
  • observe other teachers within and without content area
    
  • participate in professional organizations

• Differentiate/individualize training for specific mentee groups