Mentors play a critical role in supporting the growth and development of new educators. The following resources and supports are available to support the mentoring and induction of new teachers and administrators.
Mentorship Trainings
The Office of Higher Education and Educator Support Services is pleased to announce that Christina O’Neal, Educator Excellence Coordinator, will be the new dedicated contact person for mentoring and induction programs. The Maine DOE will be offering upcoming opportunities for mentor training regionally this school year. The sessions will be offered both in person and virtually. The training is currently being updated. Session dates, times, and locations will be announced soon.
Upcoming Sessions
More information regarding upcoming mentorship training sessions will be announced soon. The Educator Excellence team is maintaining a distribution list of those interested in announcements about future mentorship trainings. To add your name to the list or otherwise inquire about the Department's support for mentors, please contact Christina O'Neal, Educator Excellence Coordinator, at Christina.L.ONeal@maine.gov.
Customized Resources & Supports
The Maine Department of Education has developed mentor training modules to support districts when training new mentors. Specific mentor requirements can now be found in Rule Chapter 180
Mentor Requirements:
- Hold a Professional license
- Have an effectiveness rating of at least effective
- Districts may establish additional criteria for the selection of mentors and scope of responsibilities
Mentor Responsibilities:
- Complete a minimum of two observations annually
- Provide ongoing support and feedback
Resources
- Maine's Definition of Effective Mentoring
- A Note about Adult Learners
- Sample Next Steps Rubric
- Mentor Modules: Free online resources for new teachers and school leaders. For more information review the Mentor Modules Facilitator's Guide.
Maine SEEDS (Special Educator Engagement, Development, and Support) is a partnership between the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development.
SEEDS offers structured support for new and conditionally certified special educators, works to build special educator mentor capacity, and engages in efforts to support "Grow Your Own" special educator workforce initiatives at the local level.
SEEDS ensures that novice special educators are mentored by veteran special educators, offers a one-semester course in special education process for those with minimal relevant coursework, and coordinates online Community of Practice cohorts for first-year special educators.
The Maine Principal's Association has developed a comprehensive mentorship program for novice principals and assistant principals. The program recently expanded to offer supports to experienced educators in new positions who desire a mentor/coach.
Mentor Responsibilities
- Have weekly contact with the protégé. Monthly in person meetings are required
- Visit the protégé’s school and provide observation feedback
- Assist in the development of a written learning plan
- Submit a reflection regularly
- Attend required trainings and meetings
Resources
Resources for prospective mentors and protégés can be accessed below.
- Protégé application for new administrators
- Great Beginnings Program for new administrators
- Application for experienced people who want to become a mentor to a new administrator
Executive Director Maine Principal's Association
207-622-0217, ext. 126
hblair@mpa.cc