Journey to Excellence ? Just the Facts (PDF)

‘Just the Facts’
AEA 13 Journey to Excellence
Mentoring & Induction for Beginning Teachers
1. Purpose
Iowa
Mentoring
and
Induction
284.5 Beginning teacher mentoring and induction program.
1. A beginning teacher mentoring and induction program is created to promote excellence in teaching,
enhance student achievement, build a supportive environment within school districts and area education
agencies, increase the retention of promising beginning teachers, and promote the personal and professional
well-being of teachers.
Journey to Excellence Mission: To involve Iowa beginning educators and mentors in a high-quality
2.Program: professional experience that enhances professional practice.
Developed by a Task Force: DE, ISEA, AEA, LEA
Journey to
Piloting Year One and Year Two in AEA 13, 2007-2009
Excellence
Key Components
Iowa
A. A clear focus on effective teaching using the Iowa Teaching Standards as defined in A Framework for
Training
Understanding the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria
Model for
B. Preparation of experienced educators to serve as mentors
Mentors of C. Learning opportunities for mentors to use commensurate with the growth of beginning educators
Beginning
D. Meaningful formative assessment of the performance of beginning educators
Educators
E. Time and support for the mentor and beginning educator to work together
F. Understanding the relationship between the Iowa Teaching Standards and comprehensive
evaluation
G. Establishing the firewall between mentor and evaluator and acknowledging confidential relationship
between the beginning educator and mentor
H. Annual verification of program completion
I. Meet Requirements from the Iowa Department of Education for Mentoring and Induction Programs
Learning Projects
Based on the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria
Build a good foundation for future practice by examining performance, understanding the Iowa
Teaching Standards and Criteria, and continuing professional learning.
Utilize the ORID questioning process for planning and reflecting
Are organized around a process adapted from Dr. W. Edwards Deming and include the following
steps: Assessing Needs (Focus, Study), Planning (Plan), Implementing (Apply), Evaluation (Reflect)
A Framework for Understanding the Iowa Teaching Standards & Criteria used by mentors and beginning
educators as the common language of good teaching
Text for mentor training: Mentoring Matters / Learning-Focused Relationships
3. Budget $1300 per beginning teacher awarded from the DE ($500 per semester to mentor)
4. Role
of the
Organization.
...
Iowa Code:
Supportive
Organizational
Structure
Estimated cost of Journey to Excellence Year One: $75 – 100 for materials per participant
Provides access and opportunities for interaction for mentors and beginning teachers that:
1. Includes released time for mentors and beginning teachers to plan,
2. Supports the demonstration of successful/effective classroom practices,
3. Allows for beginning teachers to observe successful/effective teachers’ practices, and receive feedback
4. Allows for mentors to observe beginning teachers’ classrooms and provide feedback,
5. Determines who will be in the mentor/beginning teacher partnership,
6. Supports the roles and responsibilities of the mentor, and
7. Allows for the dissolution of the mentor/beginning teacher partnership. It is critical to monitor partnerships
and address mismatches or conflicts as soon as possible.

‘Just the Facts’
AEA 13 Journey to Excellence
Mentoring & Induction for Beginning Teachers
7. Podcast
– listen for
more
information
8. Midyear
hires…
9. Who is
eligible for
the Iowa
Mentoring
and
Induction
program?
10.
Mentors are
expected to:
In Focus, Episode 14 http://www.iseapodcast.org/ October 2008, Tracey Kelley has
the word on a new teacher mentoring program in the pilot stages. It's called Journey
to Excellence, and Tracey talks to Connie Richardson about the motivation behind
the program, and the program's goals.
Midyear hires – Contact Connie Richardson to get materials and start them ASAP with a trained mentor.
Beginning teachers employed by districts and by AEAs, including preschool through grade 12, guidance
counselors, teacher librarians, long-term substitutes who are under contract with the school district or AEA,
and any new teachers/educators who hold any of the following teaching licenses should be in a Mentoring
and Induction program. These individuals can be identified by the license they hold.
Only employees with a teaching license issued by the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) under Iowa
Code chapter 272 are eligible for Mentoring and Induction funded by the state of Iowa. Employees holding an
SPR, also issued by the BOEE, are NOT eligible for Mentoring and Induction.
The teaching licenses issued for beginning teachers/educators by the BOEE are:
1. Regional exchange
2. Initial
3. Intern
4. Class A
‣ Complete the Journey to Excellence mentor training and preparation:
‣ New mentors are expected to attend six (6) days of mentor training over the two years:
o Intro Day – Jointly with beginning educator
o Year 1 Mentor Training Days 1 – 4
o Year 2 Mentor Training Days 5 & 6
o Trained mentors are expected to attend an Update Day each year they begin the
Induction Program with a new beginning educator.
‣ Mentors are to maintain confidential role and act in a supporting fashion for the beginning
educator. Mentors are not evaluators.
‣ Guide the beginning educator through the Learning Projects
‣ Provide assistance to the beginning educator as needed
‣ Meet with the beginning educator at least weekly
‣ Attend District mentor support meetings
‣ Complete program evaluation surveys and progress reports
‣ Develop a trusting relationship with the beginning educator and keep beginning educator’s
concerns and issues confidential. (Except child abuse or other criminal-type of behavior)
‣ Inform and help prepare the beginning educator for upcoming events such as open-house,
parent-teacher conferences, grade reports, and etc.

‘Just the Facts’
AEA 13 Journey to Excellence
Mentoring & Induction for Beginning Teachers