Overview

The UT GEAR UP New Teacher Mentor Program is designed to support and enrich the professional development of novice teachers at UT GEAR UP campuses. The program offers support through virtual and face-to-face professional development, online mentoring sessions, and onsite coaching sessions. Participants will also receive a stipend of up to $2000, depending on participation, and a UT GEAR UP New Teacher Academy micro-credential upon completion.

By offering a robust support system for new teachers, the UT GEAR UP New Teacher Mentor Program aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge they need to create a successful learning environment for their students.

Nomination and Approval System

Nomination

1. Campus administrators from UT GEAR UP campuses are invited to nominate teachers who meet the eligibility criteria for the program.

2. Nominators must submit an online nomination form detailing the nominee's eligibility and commitment to the program's requirements.

3. The nomination period will begin Oct 9, 2023, and end Oct 20, 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

The nominee must:

1. Be a first- or second-year teacher or alternatively certified teacher.

2. Teach at a UT GEAR UP campus.

3. Commit to participating for the entire 2023 - 2024 academic year.

4. Be able to travel to Austin three times during the year for mandatory face-to-face sessions.

Program Components

Professional Development

Virtual Professional Development

Monthly webinars will be conducted covering a variety of teaching strategies, classroom management, curriculum development, and more.

Online Professional Development

Participants will complete a series of courses in UT GEAR UP PD online learning management system (http://educators.learn.utgearup.com) for CPE credit.

Face-to-Face Professional Development

Teachers are required to participate in three face-to-face professional development sessions in Austin, spaced throughout the academic year. Hotel accommodations will be provided through UT Austin, other travel expenses and substitute teachers may be paid through local GEAR UP funds or district funds.

Online Mentoring Sessions

Bi-weekly online mentoring sessions will be held with experienced mentor teachers.  These sessions will focus on addressing the challenges faced by the new teachers and offering advice and strategies for teaching success.

Onsite Coaching Sessions

Quarterly onsite coaching visits will be scheduled for each participating teacher. During these sessions, experienced coaches will observe classes, provide feedback, and help the teachers to implement new strategies in the classroom.

UT GEAR UP New Teacher Academy Micro-credential

Participants who successfully complete all components of the program will receive a UT GEAR UP New Teacher Academy micro-credential. This micro-credential will acknowledge the skills and knowledge gained and can be included in the teacher's professional portfolio.

Stipend

Participating teachers will receive a stipend of up to $2000, depending on the level of participation and completion of program requirements. The stipend will be distributed in installments after each face-to-face session, with a final payment upon completion of the program.

Technology

Participating teachers will receive an IPad after successfully completing half of the program components. 

Timeline

1. Nomination Period: Oct 9, 2023 to Oct 20, 2023

2. Approval and Notification of Acceptance: Oct 27, 2023

3. Program Start and End: Nov 6, 2023 to May 20, 2023

4. Face-to-face Sessions: Nov 13, 2023, Feb12, 2023, May 20, 2023

5. Online Mentoring: Bi-weekly throughout the academic year.

6. Onsite Coaching: Quarterly visits throughout the academic year.

7. Monthly webinars throughout the academic year.