The mentor’s main responsibility is to provide “just-in-time” as well as “longer term” support to their candidate. Mentors attend required meetings/trainings based on their mentoring year (Year 1 or Year 2/Returning). New mentors attend orientation, foundational mentor training, and mid- and end-of-year check-ins. Year 2 and returning mentors attend orientation, mid- and end-of-year check-ins. Year 2 and returning mentors are invited to attend the foundational mentor training if they feel they have such a need. All mentors are also invited to attend all monthly professional learning offered by TCSJ. All teacher induction mentors MUST complete the mentor verification packet each year regardless of whether they have been an induction mentor before.

As a mentor in TCSJ's Teacher Induction Program, the expectation is that each mentor understands and agrees to abide by the following roles and responsibilities: 

1. Provide your candidate with a minimum of 60 minutes of individualized or coordinated “just in time” and “longer term” support/mentoring per week. This meeting time will be held outside of instructional time and is required per the CCTC standards. These meetings should primarily be held in person and are meant to be collaboration time as opposed to a check-in.

2. Establish a scheduled time to meet with your candidate weekly to ensure regular meetings

3. Provide required mentoring/support that consists of the following:

   • Provide proactive and “just-in-time” support to meet your candidate’s immediate needs.

   • Assist your candidate in “longer term” support needs such as developing, implementing, revisiting, revising, and reflecting upon their Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

   • Coordinate and actively participate in the triad conference with your candidate and site administrator.

   • Coordinate support and/or resources for your candidate.

   • Observe your candidate a minimum of one time (preferably in person but can be video recorded as needed) and provide them with feedback related to the CSTPs (LEAs arrange for release time).

   • Coordinate and accompany (when possible) your candidate’s observation of colleagues/peers (LEAs arranges for release time).

   • Assist your candidate in analyzing student assessment data to inform instruction.

   • Model best practice.

4. Attend/Complete:

   • Monthly logs documenting weekly meetings and the support provided to candidates.

   • Required meetings/training based on mentoring year.

   • All Mentor assignments in Canvas and required hours of professional learning.

5. Proactively and directly communicate any questions or concerns about the induction program and/or your candidate to the Teacher Induction Coordinator via TCSJ email or by phone

6. Immediately notify the Teacher Induction Coordinator if you or your candidate will be taking a leave of absence from your position or will need to withdraw from the program. Leaves must be approved in advance. 

7. Submit the following documents on time:

   • Mentor Support Log – published on the 1st of each month in assignments and due by the 15th (reflecting the work done in the previous month)

   • Required Mentor assignments in Canvas

   • Professional learning log due in May

8. Develop and maintain a trusting and confidential relationship with your candidate.

9. Consult with the site administrator as an advocate for your candidate, maintaining confidentiality.

10. Model professional behavior and disposition.

To document the support our mentors provide to candidates, mentors complete and submit a Mentor Support Log monthly. This is a requirement of the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing and the TCSJ Teacher Induction program. If a mentor does not submit a log or is not meeting with their candidate regularly, the TCSJ Teacher Induction Coordinator via Canvas or TCSJ email and the LEA (if necessary). 

TCSJ Teacher Induction Mentors are provided with ongoing professional learning opportunities through TCSJ alongside the professional learning received from their LEAs. All mentors are required to attend their designated orientation, mid-, and end-of-year check-ins/collaborations. New TCSJ Teacher Induction Mentors are required to attend additional foundational mentor training focused on Cognitive Coaching and Adult Learning Theory (see calendars posted in Canvas). Mentors also complete Canvas assignments including watching instructional videos familiarizing themselves with required candidate assignments such as the CCR, ILP, Triad Meeting, and the Professional Learning Log. Mentors will also have access to the calendars for candidates as well as the TCSJ Teacher Induction website, which provides support resources.

New Mentor Verification Form

Returning Mentor Verification Form

If you are planning to earn professional development units at TCSJ by enrolling in Supporting New Teachers – Techniques and Application I or II, you will need to submit a Unit Advancement form.  This form should be submitted electronically by the link provided prior to beginning the course.

For those of you opting to earn a stipend rather than units please work with your Office Supervisor on completing a Stipend Request Form at the end of the school year.