Public Act 335 (1993) requires districts to assign mentors to beginning teachers for the first three years of employment in classroom teaching. AAPS's "Each One Teach One" Mentoring Program enables experienced teachers to work with our newly hired teachers as their assigned mentors. Responsibilities of mentors include:

• active participation in an ongoing relationship with a new teacher for three years
• participation in ongoing professional development, outside of contract time
• completion of a log of contacts twice a year
• accountability for completion of mentor responsibilities in a quality and timely fashion

An application process is required to be considered as a mentor. Teachers who are accepted into the program will be assigned a beginning teacher when an appropriate match is found.

What does the mentoring process involve?

The mentor and mentee, collaboratively, will:

• provide support, guidance, feedback and information for the mentee
• identify needs of the mentee
• problem solve
• identify resources, supports, opportunities, etc.

The process may include:

• formal meetings
• informal interactions
• observation and coaching
• other activities, as determined by the mentor and mentee

Content covered during these activities may include:

• building orientation
• community orientation
• classroom management
• AAPS curriculum
• assessment practices
• collaborative strategies
• technology
• available resources
• encouragement and support

The mentor/mentee relationship is NOT an evaluative one.

Desirable Criteria for Becoming a Mentor

• Minimum of five years in the education profession
• Tenured in AAPS
• Above average recommendations from both a current supervisor and a colleague
• Demonstration of successful teaching on a consistent basis
• Demonstration of continued personal and professional growth
• Demonstration of effective and positive interpersonal communication skills
• Prior experience as peer coach, mentor, cooperating teacher (student teachers or pre-student teachers), working with tutors, or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification
• Demonstration of expertise working with diverse populations

Requirements

ALL new mentors need to attend:

• 3-hour "Initial Mentor Training"

If it has been three years since a mentor has taken the "Initial Mentor Training", he or she needs to attend:

• 2-hour "Mentor Refresher"

If your mentee is a "Year One" teacher, you need to attend:

• 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Fall
• AND 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Spring
• AND Log a minimum of 10 hours contact time with mentee

If your mentee is a "Year Two" teacher, you need to attend:

• 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Fall
• AND 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Spring
• AND Log a minimum of 7 hours contact time with mentee

If your mentee is a "Year Three" teacher, you need to attend:

• 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Fall
• AND 2-hour district mentor meeting in the Spring
• AND Log a minimum of 4 hours contact time with mentee