Laurel
Teacher Mentorship Plan Policy #4131.2
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The local mentor plan of the Stratford School District was developed under the guidelines of N.J.A.C. 6:11-14.1 - 6:11-15.6. The goals of the plan are as follows:
To enhance teacher knowledge and strategies related to the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
To identify exemplary teaching practices necessary to maintain excellence in teaching and encourage the development of those skills in novice teachers.
To assist novice teachers in adjusting to the challenges of teaching.
I. Eligibility of Teacher Mentors
A. Mentors must be tenured and actively teaching in the district.
B. If tenured staff is unavailable, an actively teaching staff member with at least three years of experience may be selected.
C. Mentors must support the goals of the mentor plan and the confidential nature of the mentor/novice teacher relationship.
D. Mentors must have demonstrated command of content area knowledge and pedagogy.
E. Mentors should be certified in the area the novice teacher is teaching if possible.
F. Mentors must be knowledgeable of the social norms of the community.
G. Mentors must be knowledgeable of the resources available to the novice.
H. Mentors must provide three letters of recommendation.
I. Mentors must be willing to complete a comprehensive training program.
II. Novice Teacher Responsibilities
These rules apply to all novice teachers employed as of September, 2001.
III. Board of Education Responsibilities
A. All novice teachers will be provided a rigorous two-year mentoring program.
B. Mentoring meetings shall be held between the mentor and novice teacher at least monthly.
C. A report on implementation of teacher mentoring shall be given each year as an addendum to the Quality Assurance Annual Report.
D. A report on the mentor plans shall also be submitted to the Department of Education. The report will include:
i. Program impact on job satisfaction
ii. Adequacy of time and training
iii. Recommended program changes and additions
E. All vacancies for mentoring positions shall be posted
IV. Funding
A. The Board of Education will be responsible for budgeting appropriately any state funds received for novice teacher mentoring.
B. State funds received may be used for the following:
i. Stipends for mentor teachers
ii. Costs associated with release time
iii. Substitutes for mentor and novice teachers
iv. Professional development related to the mentorship
C. Mentors shall be paid the amount reimbursed by the State of New Jersey for mentoring. The amount of the reimbursement shall be determined per the negotiated agreement with the Laurel Springs Education Association.
D. In the event there is partial state reimbursement, the novice teacher shall pay the mentoring fee.
First
Adopted: 03/06