EDLD 5345: Reflection on Mentoring Programs at My School

Teachers that are new to the district but not to teaching are usually assigned a buddy to help them better understand the district policies and procedures.  All teachers new to teaching and to the district are assigned a mentor teacher for two years usually a teacher in the same grade and subject area.  Mentor teachers help guide the new teachers with various issues through out the school year from lesson plans, daily activities, rules and procedures of the campus.  Mentor teachers are the “go –to” people when the new teacher has a need.  Often new teachers become overwhelmed with the day to day expectations of a teacher and the mentor is there to help with stress and time management.  My district works with several alternative certification programs who also provide mentors so often times new teachers will have more than one mentor, one on campus and one off campus.  These efforts are put into place to help new teachers have a successful school year and a career as a teacher.