Mentor Resources

Beginner Mentee  (new to teaching)

• First year, newly hired probationary teacher

• Part-time, new to district

• Full-time temporary teachers for teachers on Leave of Absence (LOA)

New Mentee  (previous experience, full or part-time)

• New to district, previously tenured

• New to district, experienced but not tenured

Internal Mentee (experienced PCPS teacher)

• New to grade level/subject area

• Second and third year probationary teacher

• New to building

• Returning from extended LOA

1. Observe, assess, coach, and provide opportunities for constructive feedback, including strategies for self-reflection.

2. Build a relationship of trust, confidentiality, and support.

3. Share resources and materials.

4. Collaborate on best instructional, assessment, and organizational practices; classroom and behavior management strategies; and techniques for promoting effective communication.

5. Provide general support and direction regarding school policies and procedures. 

6. Maintain a meeting log and complete any required documentation.

7. Meet or check-in with your  Building Mentor on at least a quarterly basis.

8. Be committed to the success of the program.

To include aforementioned duties on individual mentors and…

1. Monitor and check on mentoring activities

2. Review information from division level 

3. Support and provide feedback on the completion of SMART goals

4. Ensure VDOE standards for teacher evaluation are reviewed and the evaluation process is covered (this is done along with school administrators)

5. Hold monthly meetings to review timely and needed topics

6. Support teachers in the logistics of participating in peer observations

1. Introduce new teachers to district/school technology policies and resources.

2. Provide an overview of the Learning Management System (LMS) and other digital tools.

3. Assist in setting up school accounts, email, and tech platforms.

4. Collaborate with new teachers to design technology-enhanced lessons.

5. Provide strategies for differentiating instruction using digital tools.

6. Support the integration of multimedia resources into teaching practices.

7. Coach new teachers by helping to establish strong and efficient classroom foundations.

   1. Provide coaching observations (non-evaluative)

   2. Support with reflection journal (goal setting, identifying needs, etc.)

   3. Hold growth-oriented, safe conversations with new teachers surrounding monthly goal settings

ITRT’s will engage with 1st Year teachers monthly through independent training sessions and/or during mentor meetings, PLC’s, open labs, etc. Topics will vary based on teacher needs, building needs, and division/state initiatives. Listed below are topics ITRT's offer as additional resources and/or coaching opportunities: 

Setting the Stage

• Establishing classroom management systems & expectations

• Building student relationships & classroom culture

• Teaching and practicing routines and procedures

• Lesson planning basics (objectives, pacing, engagement)

• Navigating school systems (grading, communication, policies)

Deepening Instruction

• Checking for understanding & using formative assessment

• Balancing time: planning, grading, instruction

• Introduction to differentiation

• Supporting struggling learners

• Mid-fall reflection on classroom management

Engaging All Learners

• Culturally responsive teaching practices

• Student motivation and engagement strategies

• Effective parent communication & conferences

• Mid-term reflections and goal setting

• Building collaboration with colleagues / PLCs

Reflect & Recharge

• Managing student behavior before break

• Teacher self-care and burnout prevention

• Analyzing student data to inform instruction

• Wrapping up quarters effectively

A Fresh Start

• Re-establishing routines & expectations post-break

• Reflecting on student data and instructional planning

• Goal setting with students

• Implementing feedback

Instructional Practices

• Increasing rigor and promoting higher-order thinking

• Including student voice and choice
  Scaffolding for complex tasks

• Collaborative teaching or support strategies

Assessment & Growth

• Preparing for spring assessments

• Analyzing summative data

• Supporting student independence

• Improving questioning techniques

Climate & Ownership

• Sustaining positive classroom community

• Encouraging student-led learning

• Using reflection and feedback effectively

• Managing behaviors and energy

Reflection & Celebration

• End-of-year procedures: grading, closing classroom

• Reflecting on teaching growth and outcomes

• Planning for summer: PD, curriculum review, rest

• Celebrating milestones and year-one achievements

• Look for opportunities from William & Mary's School-University Resource Network! PCPS partners with SURN and readily sends staff members to receive training on coaching, mentoring, and specific content-related topics to increase support in our school division.

• Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Improving Teacher Performance Through Instructional Coaching

• PCPS Mentor Training (Prezi)