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Mount Laurel Township Schools District Mentoring Plan Burlington County

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” John Cotton Dana

2014-2015 School Year (Revised June, 2014)

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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District Mentoring Plan Checklist Required

Form

Included

Title Page Table of Contents Section 1 District Profile Sheet DEAC Sign-Off Sheet Board of Education Approval Form Section 2 Current Assessment of Mentoring Program Current Needs of Mentoring Program Section 3 Mentoring Program Vision Mentoring Program Goals Section 4 Guidelines for Selection of Mentors Application Process and Criteria for Selection of Mentors Section 5 Roles and Responsibilities for Mentors Section 6 Professional Learning Components for Mentors Section 7 Professional Learning Components for Novice Teachers

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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Section 8 Action Plan for Implementation Timeline for Implementation Section 9 Resource Options Used Section 10 Funding Resources Section 11 Program Evaluation

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Form

Page

Title Page

1

Table of Contents

4

Section 1

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District Profile Sheet Local Professional Development Committee Profile Sheet Board of Education Approval Form Section 2

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Current Assessment of Mentoring Program Current Needs of Mentoring Plan Section 3

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Mentoring Program Vision Mentoring Program Goals Section 4

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Guidelines for Selection of Mentors Application Process and Criteria for Selection of Mentors Section 5

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Roles and Responsibilities for Mentors Section 6

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Professional Learning Components for Mentors Section 7

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Professional Learning Components for Novice Teachers Section 8

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

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County: Burlington

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Action Plan for Implementation Timeline for Implementation Section 9

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Section 10

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Section 11

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Resource Option Used

Funding Resources

Program Evaluation Appendices Samples of Novice and Mentor Survey Sample of Mentoring Activity Log Sample of Suggested Activities for Mentor-Novice Teachers Mentor Application Mentor Contract

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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District Mentoring Plan Section 1: District Profile 1. District Profile Sheet Name of District

Mount Laurel Township Schools

District Code

3440

Address

Hattie Britt Administration Building 330 Mount Laurel Rd. Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

County

Burlington

County Code

05

District Factor Group

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Chief School Administrator

Dr. Antoinette Rath

Type of District (check one): _ K-5 _ K6 _ K-12 _ 7-12 _ 9-12 Other (specify)

√ K-8

Contact Persons

Sharon Vitella, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Phone

856-235-3387 x3014 @ Hattie Britt Administration

Fax

856-235-1837 @ Hattie Britt Administration

Email

[email protected]

Plan Developers

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

2014 DEAC (Mary Fitzgerald, Tiffany Harris-Greene, Tracy Newhart, Gayle Sklar, Corinne Vosibikan, Judith Ruff)

County: Burlington

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SECTION 2: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS Current Assessment Mount Laurel historically has a very high rate of staff retention. This is due to many factors among which is new teacher programming. The training component supports teacher competency and the mentoring relationship aides the novices' assimilation into the school and district culture. At the end of the 2014 school year, the DEAC sent out a mentor/novice teacher survey assessing the suggested needs of current mentor/novice teachers. Surveys were collected from the mentors and novice teachers. Information was gathered in the following areas: curriculum and instruction, standards and common core, classroom management, professional relationships, district policies and procedures, and formal communication. The DEAC uses this information to develop and revise the mentoring plan. In the past few years, changes in presentation topics and mentoring procedures have resulted from this feedback.

Current Needs The Local Professional Development Committee used surveys, cooperative learning activities, and dialogues to elicit information. Materials provided in the toolkit, brought back from national conferences and professional resources were used to develop meeting agendas. A needs assessment questionnaire was used both years to gather information about the current program. Analysis of the data collected generated the following program issues and needs: Assigning mentor/novice matches as soon as possible prior to September (every attempt will be made to select and assign mentors prior to August 1, 2014). ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Establishing separate support sessions for provisional teachers and for their mentors Planning and presenting additional on-going training for both parties Communicating clear expectations, roles and responsibilities Providing release time for provisional teachers and mentors to observe each other Developing support system for new experienced staff to district Utilize contractual time for professional development for novice teachers if possible Implement and record an on-going communication (LOG) Enlisting the involvement of the ScIP in providing embedded professional development for novice teachers at the building level and for supporting mentors in the building.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 3: VISION AND GOALS VISION The mentoring program in Mount Laurel Township Public Schools will provide the novice teacher with professional learning opportunities that will be aligned with and support the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers as referenced in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-3.3. The mentoring program will help develop the knowledge and skills needed to be effective classroom teachers in order to foster student learning and achievement and will support teachers to become full participants in the professional life of the school and community. The program is sustained by district and community stakeholders as administrators, colleagues and parents welcome and support new teachers in Mount Laurel.

GOALS The comprehensive mentoring of novice teachers is critical for staff retention, morale and student success. This support assists novice teachers in the performance of their duties and in adjusting to the challenges of teaching. This will increase their chance of professional success. Student achievement is positively impacted by the additional skills and knowledge that protégées acquire through mentoring activities and the close consultation of master veterans. Therefore, our goals focus on what is important to increase student learning and achievement. These goals align with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers and are directly connected to district initiatives. All are measurable through student assessments, district evaluations, mentor/mentee surveys and dialogues. The proposed changes in tenure law and teacher evaluation protocols make the support of novice teachers even more critical to the educational profession. Specifically, the goals of the Mount Laurel Mentoring Program are: ● ● ● ● ● ●

The mentor / novice teacher team will develop a rapport based on collegiality and confidentiality. The mentors will use the strategies of peer coaching and knowledge of adult learning styles to support the novice teachers in their professional growth. The program will enhance teacher knowledge of Common Core Curriculum Content Standards and related strategies in order to facilitate student achievement. The program will identify and disseminate information on exemplary teaching skills and educational practices necessary to acquire and maintain excellence in teaching. The mentoring program will facilitate the assimilation of novice teachers into the school, district and local community and encourage their full participation in all areas. The program will offer differentiated, on-going support for experienced teachers new to the district as per the regulations adopted May 5, 2014.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 4: MENTOR SELECTION Guidelines Mentors are selected based on several criteria: ●

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As per the New Jersey Department of Education Regulations adopted May 5, 2014, mentors are required to be tenured, or have taught a minimum of three years and have knowledge of district and building policies, procedures and curricula. All mentors must earn a summative rating of effective or highly effective on the most recent summative evaluation. In cases where summative evaluation is delayed, mentor has earned rating of effective or higher on teacher practice instrument. All attempts are made to make appropriate matches at grade levels and/or subject areas so that the mentors’ expertise and experience is maximized. Mentors must have strong communication skills and be reflective practitioners. They need to be proactive and anticipate the novices’ need for information, emotional support and instructional coaching. Mentors may not serve as mentee’s direct supervisor or conduct evaluations. Mentors must be available for mandatory training sessions and for informal/formal meetings with their protégés. Clearly defined expectations and accountability measures will be required of mentors to assure compliance with program goals and appropriate support for new teachers. All mentors will be required to sign a contract that clearly delineates their roles, responsibilities and time commitment.

The Building Level ScIP team will oversee the mentoring program in each building. Should a mismatch occur between mentors and mentees, there will be a process available to assist them. This will provide a safe haven to discuss problems related to the mentoring process or match and still maintain the confidentiality of all dialogues.

Application Process All certificated staff are notified of the opportunity to apply to serve as a mentor. The notification will also review the expectations for a mentor so that those volunteering are apprised of their responsibilities to the novice teacher. Mentoring application forms will be available on the staff portal. This form includes minimum criteria for selection per New Jersey administrative codes. Mentor candidates are invited to complete and submit an application form to indicate their interest in serving in this position. The form is submitted to the Human Resources Department who will compile a list and notify principals of the candidates within their buildings. Matches are made at each building by the principal, keeping in mind the guidelines as stated above.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 5: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MENTOR Mentors have a significant opportunity to "pay it forward." They can provide the support and encouragement to a new teacher as past colleagues provided them in their early years as an educator. In this way, mentors continue to support their chosen profession and touch more students as their influence is manifested in the new teachers' classes. To have a positive impact on new teachers, student achievement and staff morale, a mentor should: o o o o o o o o

o o o o o o o o o o o

Provide one full school year of 1-1 mentoring from beginning of assignment, prorated for part-time teachers Serve as a professional role model in relations with colleagues, students, parents, administration and others Familiarize the novices with district initiatives and goals Help acclimate the novice to building, district and community culture Participate in mandatory training Maintain confidentiality Meet with their protégée once a week for the first four weeks for a minimum of 30 minutes each meeting Maintain a log/journal of mentoring meeting, activities, and time dedicated and turn into the ScIP Team and Personnel office: • Mentor logs must be submitted to Personnel office three times during the teacher Provisional Teacher Program. ■ With 10 week Formative Evaluation ■ With 20 week Formative Evaluation ■ With 30 week Summative Evaluation ■ Final logs must be submitted to building principal and Personnel Office with final Annual Evaluation Complete and submit a monthly checklist of topics covered during novice/mentor sessions to the ScIP team Help to create a safe and respectful classroom environment Guide new teachers in developing clear and appropriate goals Meet to plan, reflect, and align novice teachers’ Professional Development Plan (PDP) with New Jersey Professional Standards for Teaching (NJPST) and Common Core State Standards Provide emotional and informational support Help define and solve problems Arrange release time with building principal for observations: ½ day observation in October, 1 full day observation in November and a ½ day observation in February/March Model strategies and best practices Engage novices in examining student work and analyzing assessment tools and data to determine instructional needs Offer to assist with the development of a Professional Development Plan (PDP) Contribute to mentoring program evaluation

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 6: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMPONENTS FOR THE MENTORS Recognizing that a beginning teacher is still learning to teach at the same time as she/he is teaching means that mentors must be patient and available. The novice teacher needs to feel valued and supported. In order to provide mentors with the skills they need to guide new teachers as they begin their careers, the Mount Laurel Mentoring Program presents workshops 3 times a year. Possible topics will be selected as needed from among the following or as a result of the Needs Assessment Process: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Communicating and building trust Suggested activities and timelines Roles and responsibilities of the mentor Adult learning process Questioning techniques Mentoring research and effective practices Peer coaching methods of conferencing and providing feedback Characteristics, typical problems and needs of novice teachers Idea exchanges Classroom observation skills McREL Teacher Evaluation System NJ Professional Standards for Teachers NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards

As specified in the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers this training is based on research of effective teaching practices (standards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7), student learning (standards 2, 3, 8) and adult learning theory (standards 9, 10). These workshops are presented by DEAC members, curriculum supervisors and outside professional groups.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 7: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMPONENTS FOR NOVICE TEACHERS Current research shows that a teacher's belief in his/her ability to positively impact student learning is critical to student achievement. This belief is often based on past success. Therefore, it is important that the early years of a teacher's career be full of professional accomplishments and solid training and learning. The Mount Laurel Mentoring Program seeks to improve novices' knowledge of pedagogy and teaching style, (NJ Professional Standards for Teachers 1, 4, 5, 6, 7), student learning (standards 2, 3, 8), overall knowledge of curriculum and standards and school and district programs (standards 9, 10). Training and materials will be provided to all novice teachers as needed (see Section 2: Needs Assessment Process) in the areas of: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

New Teacher orientation to district personnel and culture Understanding and applying CCCS and NJPST Working with a mentor/confidentiality issues Classroom procedures and behavior and time management based on Responsive Classroom strategies Meeting the needs of diverse students using differentiated learning strategies Lesson and unit planning using the Understanding by Design format Establishing professional goals Parental communication/conferencing skills Effective questioning techniques Building procedures Using methods of conferencing and reflecting on feedback based on Balanced Literacy Assessment tools and analysis of data Student support services Curriculum requirements Technology availability and use Idea exchanges McRel Teacher evaluation system Student Learning Styles

These workshops are presented by DEAC, ScIP members, curriculum supervisors and outside consultants as appropriate.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 8: ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR FIRST YEAR TEACHERS Below is an implementation plan that is recursive in delivery. The district’s ultimate goal is to have all levels of support offered every year to differentiate training and support based on the teachers’ novice status.

Learning Activities

Time-line

Responsible Parties

Research Options

Assessment

Mentor Selection Process

June-July

DEAC and Principals

None

State Provisional Program Report

Plan and develop new teacher orientation plan and orientation packets

June-August

DEAC and Supervisors

See Section 10

Agenda, Timeline, Checklist, Handouts

Develop mentor orientation and training packet

June-August

DEAC and Supervisors

Building based professional libraries

Session Resource Packets

New Teacher Welcome and Orientation

August

Human Resources Manager & PD, DEAC, administrators, supervisors

See Section 10 Local businesses

Participant evaluations

Plan and develop materials for training session #1

August-September

DEAC

Building based professional libraries

Session Resource Packets

Mentor/mentee Induction meeting #1

September-October

DEAC

See Section 10

Participant evaluations

Plan and develop materials for training session #2

September-October

DEAC

Building based professional libraries

Session Resource Packets

Mentor/mentee Induction meeting #2*

September-October

DEAC

See Section 10

Participant evaluations

Plan and develop materials for training session #3

December-January

DEAC

Building based professional libraries

Session Resource Packets

Mentor/mentee Induction meeting #3*

February

DEAC

See Section 10

Participant evaluations

PDP Creation and other topics based on need*

*Session topics will be selected by need as determined in Section 2

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS NEW TO THE DISTRICT Learning Activities

TImeline

Responsible Parties

Research Options

Assessment

New Teacher Welcome and Orientation

August

DEAC, administrators, supervisors

See Section 10 Local businesses

Participant evaluations

Plan and develop materials for training session #1

August-September

DEAC

Building based professional libraries

Session Resource Packets

Mentor/mentee Induction meeting #1

September-October

DEAC

See Section 10

Participant evaluations

PDP creation and other topics based on need*

*Session topics will be selected by need as determined in Section 2

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR ALTERNATE ROUTE NOVICES New hires who have received their training through the Alternate Route require mentoring and support beyond what has already been presented in the plan. They will require a total of one full school year of 1-1 mentoring with mentor and mentee meeting at least once a week for the first eight weeks. As presented above, New Teacher Orientation takes place in late August and covers specific information related to Mount Laurel initiatives and programs. District inservice days will focus on local curricular initiatives that are aligned to the CCCS. All new teachers, including alternate route teachers, will be attending workshops on classroom management, differentiation, parent-teacher communication, and district policies and procedures in their first year. Additional professional development sessions will be with curriculum content supervisors about specific components and standards for each subject area. These presentations will provide focused and intense training on Core Curriculum Content areas. In summary, the alternative route novice teacher support requirement will be met through the following professional development activities: ● ● ● ●

New Teacher Orientation District in-services New teacher workshops 1-on-1

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 9: RESOURCE OPTIONS USED Time is the most significant resource in the mentoring process: time to meet and share best practices, time to conduct peer observations, time for training and professional development, time for a pep talk. Time is also the most difficult resource to find. Mount Laurel Schools are challenged by this and are working creatively to find more opportunities for collegial activities. Teaching schedules are being studied to find additional time. Release time is being used more frequently to provide job-embedded professional development. Hopefully, with these steps, novice and mentor pairs will be advantaged by an increase in face-to-face contact. During the 2013-14 school year more of the elementary buildings have been able to schedule Professional Learning Community time during the school day at some time during the month. The second faculty meeting of the month is commonly used at every site for grade level or department PLC meetings focusing on teaching and learning. Aside from the challenge of time, new teachers and their mentors here in Mount Laurel have many resources easily available. Among these are: ● ● ● ●

Trainings organized by DEAC, ScIP, Mt. Laurel Education Association and district supervisors Books provided by the Mount Laurel Education Association: The First Days of School, How to be an Effective Teacher Harry & Rosemary, Classroom Instruction that Works by Marzano and other resources Out-of-district professional development opportunities Graduate study tuition reimbursement

In addition to their mentors, novices have additional support from building level principals, curriculum supervisors in each building and central administration. These people provide support, training and counseling for the newest members of our staff. They also provide the financial support needed for this program and the professional support our teachers need to be successful.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 10: FUNDING RESOURCES Fiscal support for the Mount Laurel Mentoring Program is collected from several sources. These include: ● ● ● ●

NJ State funding: Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant (when available) Mount Laurel Education Association Mount Laurel local district budget No Child Left Behind: Titles I and II

These funds provide professional development activities, substitute coverage, resources and materials for meetings and training sessions.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 11: PROGRAM EVALUATION The success of the district mentoring program is reliant upon the evaluation process. Annually the district will assess the program’s effectiveness to measure its success and to determine if the current plan is meeting the goals and objectives set forth. The evaluation will allow the district to: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Determine the effectiveness of the mentor application, selection and matching process Evaluate new teacher orientation sessions for both novice teacher and mentor Evaluate professional development sessions for both novice teacher and mentor Determine the degree to which mentors fulfilled roles and responsibilities Offer insight into additional professional development that will better support the novice teacher and mentor Offer additional program improvements to support novice and mentor teachers

This information will be gathered through a district survey for both novice and mentor teachers. Professional learning evaluations will also be used to assess the quality of professional development opportunities. Surveys used will include questions that evaluate the following: ● ● ● ● ●

Novice teacher and mentor reactions and reflections Novice teacher and mentor learning Student learning outcomes Organization support and change Novice teacher and mentor use of knowledge and skills gained

All data collected will be used to modify the mentoring program to better meet the needs of future novice teachers and mentors.

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington

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SECTION 12: PAYMENT PROCEDURES The administrative office shall oversee the payment of mentors. ● ● ● ●

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Payment shall not be conferred directly from provisional teacher to mentor Payment of mentors is overseen by the district administrative office Mentors must keep logs of contact time with mentees Mentor logs must be submitted to Personnel office three times during the teacher Provisional Teacher Program ○ With 10 week Formative Evaluation ○ With 20 week Formative Evaluation ○ With 30 week Summative Evaluation Final logs must be submitted to building principal and Personnel Office with the final annual evaluation

District Name: Mount Laurel Township Schools

County: Burlington