The Montana Statewide Mentor Program is built upon the nationally recognized model developed at the New Teacher Center (NTC). This research-based program has been shown to develop reflective teachers who are responsive to the diverse cultural backgrounds of all students.

Many studies have shown a problem with teacher turnover brought about because of a “revolving door” of teachers. About half of new teachers in the U.S. leave the profession within their first five years. Additional research shows that mentored teachers not only stay in the profession longer than other teachers but also achieve greater professional efficacy throughout their careers, with greater gains in student achievement.

Overall, teachers who receive mentoring using this methodology have a higher retention rate than teachers who receive no mentoring or less rigorous models.

The MSMP mentoring model includes:

  • Exemplary retired teachers who mentor first and second-year early career teachers (ECT). Each mentor works with approximately 15 early career teachers.
  • On-going professional development for mentors through eight Mentor Academies over two years.
  • Formative assessment tools to guide mentoring activities and keep ECTs focused on teaching standards and student learning.

There are two keys to the NTC Model: Mentor Professional Development and the Formative Assessment System.

Program Flyer 

 

                                       

The Montana Statewide Mentoring Project is funded through a federal grant, Validate Induction Network Expansion Grant (VINE).  It is a partnership between Alliance for Curriculum Education, Salish Kootenai College, Office of Public Instruction, University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  The goal is to create a sustainable statewide comprehensive instructional mentoring program to:

  • Improve retention