Journey to Excellence ? Just the Facts (PDF)

‘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.