Induction Mentorship

Mentor Support

The foundation of the AUSHD Induction Program is the Teacher-Mentor partnership. Mentors are selected based upon their exemplary instructional practices and leadership qualities. Mentors are trained to provide teachers supportive instructional coaching based upon an inquiry model. Teachers are  empowered to be reflective and responsive practitioners to ensure the learning of all their students.

Participating teachers (PTs) and Mentors decide upon a mutually agreed time and place to meet weekly for an hour. Preferably the weekly meetings take place in the teacher’s classroom. If necessary, Mentors also provide and connect teachers with subject-like department colleagues. All AUHSD educators attend weekly Friday morning collaborative meetings (7:30 am to 8:15 am) to design curriculum and assessments for specific courses. If a Mentor is supporting a teacher, who needs specific subject and/or course support, these weekly Friday meetings are integrated into the overall PT’s Induction support plan.

The work between Mentors and PTs is confidential and is not shared with District or site administration for evaluation purposes. 

Induction Mentor Job Description

Mentor Training

Mentors receive training in effective mentoring and coaching skills that reflect best practices of adult learning theory and collaborative communication. Mentor training takes place throughout the school year at the District Office. Mentorship training is differentiated, offering a more intensive training to new Mentors.

Mentors learn to foster the professional development of their PT through the processes of inquiry and reflection. Mentors provide targeted support to PTs, focusing on the development of essential instructional skills: crafting differentiated lesson plans and assessments to serve diverse learners, and establishing a classroom culture that prioritizes equity. 

Mentor Qualifications

To qualify as an Induction Mentor, an educator must have at least three years of secondary teaching experience, possess the AUHSD's five essential educator competencies, and receive a recommendation from a site administrator or department chair.

Mentors are required to read and sign the Induction Mentor Agreement Form that outlines their professional responsibilities.

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Please email Molly Kerr, the Coordinator of New Teacher Support, if you are interested in being an AUHSD Induction Mentor at mkerr@auhsdschools.org.