The connections between mentors and beginning teachers is a key component to professional learning. This program supports new teachers and provides time for ongoing mentor training. Mentors and beginning teachers engage in collaborative problem-solving.

Components

Year 1

• Participate in August New Certified Staff Workshop day
• Participate in quarterly New Certified Staff seminars
• Participate in ongoing building level induction
• Receive assistance and support from a mentor
• Receive feedback from district Site Coordinator’s classroom visitation(s)
• Participate in visitations of mentor’s and other teachers’ classrooms

Year 2

• Receive ongoing assistance and support from a trained mentor
• Receive feedback from district Site Coordinator’s classroom visitation(s)
• Participate in visitations of mentor’s and other teachers’ classrooms
• Continue to participate in on-going induction (i.e., Staff Development, building level activities)
• Meet all eight Iowa Teaching Standards, complete the Comprehensive Evaluation and move from initial to standard license
• Participate in quarterly Mentors/Second Year Teachers meetings

Year 3

• Receive support for Professional Growth
  Plan through collaborative design and Site Coordinator/collegial assistance
• Select an Iowa Teaching Standard to enrich, enhance and empower teaching and learning
• Continue to participate in ongoing induction which develops competent and caring teachers toward professional expertise
• Complete a minimum of five (5) license renewal credits during the first four years of employment
  

Contact Information
Mary Brooks
Site Coordinator
Learning Resource Center
3550 Mills Civic Pkwy.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 633-5032
Fax: (515) 633-5099
Email: brooksm@wdmcs.org

2007-2008 Overview
26 mentors actively serve 2nd year teachers

30 mentors actively serve 1st year teachers

30 colleague coaches actively serve new-with-experience teachers, counselors and teacher librarians

30 first year teachers

28 new-with-experience teachers and counselors

26 second year teachers

26 third year teachers

149 currently employed veteran teachers have served as mentors/been trained