Criterion V: Grievance Process
The institution has a clearly identified grievance process for handling all candidate grievances in a fair and timely manner. The grievance process is readily accessible for all applicants and candidates and is shared with candidates early in their enrollment in the program.
AUHSD's Grievance Process for Participating Teachers in the Induction Program
Induction Candidates are informed of the grievance process during the annual beginning year Orientation. This information can also be accessed in the Teacher Induction Handbook and is available on the AUHSD Induction website. Participating Teachers confirm that they have received information regarding all program policies, including the Grievance Process, by completing the Participating Teacher Induction Program Agreement Form.
If a Participating Teacher has a concern or complaint regarding any aspect of the Induction Program, that cannot be addressed with or through the Mentor, the Candidate will begin the Grievance Process described below.
Step One: Informal Complaint.
Candidate emails the Coordinator of New Teacher Support, who oversees the Induction Program, to request a meeting to discuss concerns and work towards a resolution.
Step Two: Formal Complaint
If the issue is not resolved informally (Step 1), a written complaint may be submitted to the Coordinator of New Teacher Support.
The Coordinator of New Teacher Support will conduct an investigation and meet with all parties within 15 working days of receipt of the complaint.
After the meeting, the Coordinator of New Teacher Support will send a written response to the complainant within three working days.
Step Three: Appeal to the Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services
If unresolved at Step 2, the complainant may file an appeal with the Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services using the same Grievance Form.
The Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services will conduct an investigation and meet with the complainant within 15 working days upon receipt of the complaint.
After the meeting, the Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services will prepare a written response to the complainant within 20 working days.
Request to Change Mentor
AUHSD Mentors are highly qualified veteran teachers, who have been trained to facilitate a collaborative inquiry process to benefit Participating Teachers.. However, if the initial Mentor/Teacher pairing, due to scheduling conflicts and/or lack of collegial connection looks to hinder an Induction Candidate's professional growth, the Coordinator of New Teacher Support will facilitate a Mentor change. Induction Candidates must submit their email their request for a Mentor change within the first 30 days of starting the program. Requests made after this period will trigger the Grievance Process outlined above.
