The Mentor Program is:

• Aligned to the Illinois Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Beginning Teacher Induction programs.
• Incorporates the Danielson Framework for Teaching.
• Utilizes a coaching conversation protocol.

Mentor Selection

Mentors are selected based on their course-alike assignments and schedules, as well as the degree to which they exhibit the following qualifications: demonstrated record as an exemplary teacher, strong communication skills, trustworthiness, accessibility, responsibility, empathy, a supportive attitude and resourcefulness. Priority is given to tenured teachers who have already received mentor training.  

School Site Administrator Responsibilities

On-site administrators will:

• Select mentors in their building.
• Monitor all activities involving mentoring at the building.
• Communicate the requirements and expectations of the New Licensed Staff Induction and Mentor Program to new staff and mentors.
• Communicate the components of the New Licensed Staff Induction and Mentor Program to all administrators at their sites.
• Monitor the performance of new staff members and their progress toward meeting the expectations of the New Licensed Staff Induction and Mentor Program.

Our Purpose

Licensed staff in this program will:

• Participate as members of a professional learning community.
• Acquire a deeper understanding of classroom and school culture.
• Develop and refine the skills of a highly qualified educator.
• Understand and address the diverse needs of learners.

Our goals are achieved by:

• Participation in a comprehensive program of mentoring and professional development.
• Involvement in a communication network that includes new and novice licensed staff, mentors and administrators.

Our work is supported by:

• Research from the New Teacher Center at Santa Cruz.
• Danielson's Framework for Teaching.
• Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.

Induction and Mentor Program – Year 1 

New licensed staff members are required to participate in the following:

1. New licensed staff orientation activities prior to the start of the school year.
2. At least four Coaching Conversations with their mentors.
3. Monthly New Licensed Staff Induction Sessions with building teaching and learning facilitators (TLFs). 

Induction and Mentor Program – Year 2

New licensed staff members are required to participate in the following:

1. At least two Coaching Conversations with their mentors.
2. One instructional coaching cycle with a building TLF.

The role of the mentor includes the following: resource, problem-solver, advocate, facilitator, coach, collaborator, learner, assessor, trusted listener and teacher. 

Year 1 Mentor responsibilities include: participation in mentor training and quarterly mentor meetings, face-to-face contact with mentee on a weekly basis, observing the mentee and being observed by the mentee, helping the mentee to focus and reflect on instructional/professional decisions, documenting activities on Collaborative Assessment Logs (CALs) and evaluating the Mentor Program.

Year 2 Mentor responsibilities include: facilitating two Coaching Conversations with the mentee (one each semester), documenting activities on CALs, providing ongoing support of the mentee as needed and evaluating the Mentor Program.

This program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. 

For more information contact Lori Abbott, district mentor coordinator, at lori.abbott@d214.org.