The SMBSD Induction Program operates within the Department of Teaching and Learning, with oversight by the Coordinator of Educator Development. This structure ensures the program aligns with district goals and priorities. The program’s decision-making and coordination are streamlined through key roles that support new teacher success. The coordinator of Educator Development manages overall operations, including program logistics. The TOSA for Induction supports program logistics, including mentor assignments, eligibility requirements, professional learning initiatives and provides resources aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). The credential analyst assists in ensuring that candidates meet eligibility and credential requirements, while mentors offer direct guidance and feedback on candidates’ individual Induction Plans (ILPs). 

The Induction team offers a 2 year job-embedded system of mentoring, support, and professional learning that begins in the teacher’s first year of teaching, as well as an Early Completion Option for those with experience and can prove exceptionality through a video-recorded lesson.

The Induction team works in partnership with program staff and mentors and communicates regularly through announcements in their Google Classroom as well as monthly Mentor Newsletters. and in-person engagement through site visits, allowing for direct collaboration, relationship-building, and real-time support for both mentors and new educators. 

The SMBSD Induction program continuously assesses the quality of services provided through our SMBSD Induction Continuous Improvement Timeline. This criteria includes candidate feedback and self-assessment on the CSTPs, the quality and perceived effectiveness of support provided to candidates in implementing their Individualized Learning Plan, and the opportunity to complete the full range of program requirements.  Data collected on each candidate and mentor will be reviewed mid year and at the end of the year by the Induction Advisory Committee to ensure quality services are provided.

A teacher candidate participates in the Induction Program if the candidate:

• Holds a Multiple, Single Subject or Ed Specialist Preliminary Credential and is in their first or second year of teaching.

OR

• Holds a Multiple, Single Subject or Ed Specialist Preliminary Credential and is required to participate in an approved induction program as stated on the credential.

OR

• Has completed a Multiple, Single Subject or Ed Specialist Internship Program and has applied for, or has received a Preliminary Credential 

1. At the time of employment in the Santa Maria Bonita School District, district Human Resources (HR) personnel will inform preliminary credentialed teachers of required participation in and information on the two year SMBSD Teacher Induction Program, designed to begin in the first year of teaching. HR personnel will notify TIP of all eligible candidates before the school year begins to begin enrollment. SMBSD staff, will verify the eligibility of each candidate. 

2. TIP will provide program participants with registration and orientation information which includes information about eligibility, the Early Completion Option and program requirements. 

3. The Teacher Development section of Teaching & Learning is responsible for identifying a suitable mentor for each of their candidates (matched according to credentials held, grade level and/or subject area, as appropriate to the candidate’s employment). Each candidate will be matched with their mentor within 30 days of program enrollment. This is job embedded peer support. See the Mentor Overview for additional information. The Santa Maria Bonita school district provides an instructional coaching program in which all newly hired teachers, regardless of credential status, are assigned an instructional coach until they attain permanent status within the district. Exceptions may apply for part time teachers who are not in teacher induction. 

4. Coordinators of the TIP program are in regular contact with both new teachers and mentors, providing support and guidance as they work their way through induction.

Enrollment windows: 

• Fall - August 1 - September 8

• Winter - December 21 -January 21

All participants complete an annual professional agreement and join the SMBSD Induction Google Classroom.  New teachers will be enrolled in induction by completing the Professional Agreement. Santa Maria Bonita School district will cover the cost of induction for its employees if they are in full time teaching positions.

Placement:  We offer several placements for educators with a California Preliminary teaching credential.

Traditional: Two-year induction program.

Early Completion Option (ECO): One-year program for experienced teachers who have demonstrated exceptional teaching practices. For more information please visit    Early Completion Option.

Transfer: Completion of induction through the SMBSD induction program after providing transfer documents from the teacher's previous induction program.

To further support our teachers and mentors, we partner with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University to provide the opportunity to purchase professional development units that may facilitate an increase in income.  

The cost of the induction program is $3,500 per year, per candidate; $2,000 for program fees and $1,500 paid out to the mentor in the form of a stipend.