Mentor Teacher Handbook 07

August1st Year Teacher

Name of Mentor _______________________Grade/Subject(s) ___________________Name of Mentee _______________________Grade/Subject(s) ___________________School(s) ___________________________

This first year will be spent focusing on fundamentals of teaching. In this year some critical areas of professional knowledge for new teachers are: managing behavior in a classroom, organizing time, setting student expectations, developing instructional strategies, and developing relationships with students and parents. The checklist provided will accomplish the 30 hour requirement for mentoring a first-year teacher.

Set meeting dates and times for the yearMentor meets one time before school begins (3 hours)

Non-School ChecksTransportation to schoolHousing for New Teacher (rent/buy)Maps of the area that include the following: city map, school district w/buildings List of restaurants, banks, doctors, businesses, churches, teachers store, recreation

School ChecksKey(s) for room/buildingSchool schedule (times, calendar, …)School wide grading scaleHow and when to get into the building (nights/weekends)Where to parkTour of building (teachers’ lounge, bathrooms, mailbox, copier …)Introductions to teachers and support staffIntroductions to school secretariesLocate SuppliesWhat to do about lunch (bring own, school lunch, where to eat)Insurance and First paycheckBuying YearsProcedures for Open House

Classroom ChecksLesson plan procedures (format, when and who to turn them into, …)Attendance and/or record book(s) (keeping track, tardy, slips, …)Setting up grading procedures (computer/book)Building proceduresDiscuss class list and how to use themDiscuss class seating arrangementsDiscuss room arrangement

How to prepare for the fist day of schoolSet expectations for classroom and rulesDiscuss your classroom management styleGrading proceduresCommunication with parents and students before school beginsKeeping a Family Contact LogCopy of GLCE/HSCE- outline plan of expectationsCopy of any building or district rubricsStaff meetings (where, when, format)What to do if teacher is ill (paper work, subs, lessonsBuilding discipline procedures

o Students handbooko What to handle by self/ When to send to officeo “Chain of Command” (teacher, principal, board and superintendent)o Administrative support?o Procedures for handling fights or acts of violenceo Procedures for handling weapons

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 1 – Off to a Positive StartRead & Discuss Tip 2 – Classroom ManagementRead & Discuss Tip 3 – Have Procedures for Almost EverythingRead & Discuss Tip 21 – Manage Your Time WiselyRead & Discuss Tip 34 – Teach Social SkillsRead & Discuss Tip 101 – Refuse to Give Up on Any Child

Confirm date for next months meeting

Mentor’s Signature Date Mentee’s Signature Date Principal’s Signature Date School

September1st Year Teacher

Name of Mentor _____________________ Grade/Subject(s) ___________________Name of Mentee _____________________ Grade/Subject(s) ___________________School(s) ___________________________

Review all August “checks” for completionMentor meets with new teacher after first day of class (1 hour)Mentor meets daily with new teacher during the first week of school (4 days after the first day) (4 hours)Mentor meets weekly for the next 3 weeks (3 hours)Mentor observes in new teacher’s classroom before the end of the month (1 hour)

School ChecksReview Fire and tornado drill proceduresShow where and how to fill out office forms (leave, maintenance, AV, discipline, … requests)Phone usage (teacher/student and cell or schools)Using equipment (school web site, computers, laminator, copies, scan tron, …)Discuss ½ day in-service proceduresField Trip procedures (policy, permission slips, financing)Teachers’ Union (copy of contract, board, what issues should go to the union, dues)Recording keeping (CA 60’s, emergency cards, progress reports, report cards, …)

Classroom ChecksDiscuss methods of making contact with parents or guardians (written/phone)Classroom proceduresDiscuss how classroom expectations are comingReview lesson plans and content expectationsDiscuss student behaviorsDiscuss problems with staff or administrationDiscuss students academic and behavior problems and successesDiscuss MEAP results and how to prepare your self and students

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 4 - DisciplineRead & Discuss Tip 22 – Understand that Teaching is Hard WorkRead & Discuss Tip 46 – Maintain a Positive Reputation



October1st Year Teacher


Review all September “checks” for completionMentor meets twice a month with new teacher (2 hours)New Teacher observes in mentor’s classroom once during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksPlan five in-service days for New Teacher for the present school yearDiscuss “Homecoming Week” and responsibilitiesEncourage New Teacher to attend: school board meeting, sporting events, school dance, band/choir programs …)Report card procedures

Classroom ChecksGrading procedures for the end of the marking period (dates, grade sheets, Special Ed, grades from other special teachers)Discuss “Portfolio” procedures, if being usedDiscuss Halloween (parade, party,…)How to prepare for parent conferences How and when to access school personnel (nurse, social worker, counselor, psychologist, special ed teacher, alternative ed teacher, …)Discuss students academic and behavior problems and successesList classroom management procedures and style

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 6 – Greet Students DailyRead & Discuss Tip 23 – Do Not ProcrastinateRead & Discuss Tip 48 – Choose Your Reaction



November1st Year Teacher


Review all October “checks” for completionMentor meets twice a month with new teacher (2 hours)Mentor observes in new teacher’s classroom once during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksDiscuss deer hunting policy and proceduresDiscuss use of personal days and emergency days as stated in the contractClassroom procedures on dates surrounding Thanksgiving breakDiscuss snow day procedures and notification

Classroom ChecksDiscuss parent-teacher conferences (difficulties, surprises, any changes recommend)Share information on any in-services attendedDiscuss students academic and behavior problems and successes

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 7 - Learn What to OverlookRead & Discuss Tip 24 – Plan Effective LessonsRead & Discuss Tip 49 – Don’t Let Negative Coworkers Affect You



December1st Year Teacher


Review all November “checks” for completionMentor meets once at the beginning of month with new teacher (1 hour)New teacher observes in mentor’s classroom once during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksProcedures for Christmas concerts and programs

Classroom ChecksWhat are the procedures surrounding holiday parties (gift exchange $, gifts for students, gifts for teacher)Share any in-services that were attendedBegin discussions about final exams and procedures surrounding final exams and/or end of semesterMake certain that all necessary communications with parent have been taken care of for the fist semester (go over communication log)Discuss “Predicted” failure list- Make list of possible interventions

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 8- Handle Discipline Problems DiscreetlyRead & Discuss Tip 25 – Be Organized and PreparedRead & Discuss Tip 50 – Learn to Work Cooperatively with Parents



January1st Year Teacher


Review all December “checks” for completionMentor meet once during the month with new teacher (1 hour)Mentor observes in new teacher’s classroom once during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksPreview semester exam schedule (dates and hours, half-day schedule, preparing students for exams)Any New Teacher concerns or considerations (half way through year)

Classroom ChecksCheck to see if all instructors for the same subject are giving the same final examReview grading procedures for semester and turning in semester gradesDiscuss students academic and behavior problems and successesReflect on classroom rules and procedures that are working and not working

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 9 – Handle Your Own Discipline problemsRead & Discuss Tip 26 – Maintain Accurate RecordsRead & Discuss Tip 56 – Ask for Assistance

ASSIST WebsiteFind resources about topics discussed



February1st Year Teacher


Review all January “checks” for completionMentors meet once during the month with new teacher (1 hour)New teacher observe in a classroom of their choice (1 hour)

School ChecksDiscuss any special events procedures (Science Fair, Art Fair, …)Mid-Winter break procedures

Classroom ChecksDiscuss Valentine parties Discuss students academic and behavior problems and successesReview GLCE or HSCE - discuss what has been covered and how to plan for the remaining expectations

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 10- “Catch” Students BehavingRead & Discuss Tip 27 – Make the Objectives “Clear” for Each LessonRead & Discuss Tip 59 – Be Flexible




March1st Year Teacher


Review all February “checks” for completionMentors meets once during the month with new teacher (1 hour)New teacher observe in a classroom of their choice (1 hour)

School ChecksReview procedures for Parent-Teacher conferencesSpring Break procedures

Classroom ChecksBegin to gather a list of classroom “needs” for next year (next years orders)Preview recommendation students for next year’s classes to help counselors with schedulingReview grading proceduresDiscuss any problems that have developed in the last marking periodShare any in-services that were attendedDiscuss students academic and behavior problems and successesDiscuss time management and the stress of a teacher (personally & professionally)

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 15- Avoid “Down” TimeRead & Discuss Tip 28 – Provide a Plan for SubstitutesRead & Discuss Tip 60 – Learn to Grow from Your Mistakes




April1st Year Teacher


Review all March “checks” for completionMentor meets once during the month with new teachers (1 hour)Mentor observes in new teacher’s classroom once during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksStart to review end of year procedures (book storage, inventory, …)

Classroom ChecksDiscuss students academic and behavior problems and successesBegin discussion of classes for next year

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 18 – Avoid power Struggles with StudentsRead & Discuss Tip 29 – Learn to Recover QuicklyRead & Discuss Tip 58 – Set Goals for Your Own Improvement




May1st Year Teacher


Review all April “checks” for completionMentors meet with new teacher once during the month to cover end of year issues (1 hour)

School ChecksReview procedures for end of school year (final exams, field day, graduation day, award day, the last day, turning in keys, …)Procedure for end of year report cardsSchedule for next year

Classroom ChecksDiscuss way to keep seniors involved in class instructionShare any in-services that were attendedDiscuss results of MME or spring test- Show how to read and evaluate results

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 19 – Make the Punishment Fit the MisbehaviorRead & Discuss Tip 31 – Observe other TeachersRead & Discuss Tip 70 – Grow as a Professional




June1st Year Teacher


Review all April “checks” for completionMentors meet with new teacher once during the month to cover end of year issues (1 hour)

School ChecksGo over summer workshop opportunitiesDiscuss how mentor/New Teacher relationship worked (strengths/suggestions)

Classroom ChecksReflect on mentee’s first year of teaching



September2nd Year Teacher

While the first year focuses on fundamentals of teaching, this year offers the opportunity to consolidate these learning opportunities through reflection and application. This checklist verifies the growth of the New Teachers. It creates opportunities for extending teaching into more complex activities. The checklist provided will accomplish the 20 hour requirement for mentoring a second-year teacher.

Name of Mentor ______________________Grade/Subject(s) ___________________Name of Mentee ______________________Grade/Subject(s) ___________________School(s) ___________________________

Set meeting dates and times for the year Mentor meets one time before school begins (2 hours)Mentor meets one time during the month (1 hour)Mentee observes Mentor on questioning techniques and how to involve all students in lesson (1 hour)

School ChecksGet acquainted or reacquainted Reflect on professional growth during the summer monthsDialogue about successes, challenges, and obstacles from the first year of teaching

Classroom ChecksDiscuss the opening of school (discipline, procedures, expectations)Discuss the classroom management plan that will be used this yearEncourage your mentee to conduct a student interest or learning styles survey or provide an opportunity for a personal writing activityDiscuss how to design learning activities that make the students ask meaningful questions and solve relevant problemsHelp mentee develop a pacing guide or course syllabus as needed using GLCE/HSCEDiscuss MEAP results from last year and preparation for this yearAsk: Have you taken action to ensure full and varied participation by all students? Do you speak to all students? Do you direct questions to all students? Do you vary activities for different types of learners? Do you demonstrate flexibility and make adjustments according to student needs?Discuss intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: examples of each, when to use each, how can you as a teacher increase motivation in your students?Discuss grading practices and progress reports Discuss developing lesson plans with multiple development levels for diverse learners

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 16 – Put Students at EaseRead & Discuss Tip 71 – Celebrate the Uniqueness of Your StudentsRead & Discuss Tip 72 – Light a Spark in Your Students



October2nd Year Teacher

Name of Mentor ________________________Grade/Subject(s) __________________Name of Mentee ________________________Grade/Subject(s)__________________School(s) ___________________________

Review all September “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)Mentor observes Mentee – topic: varying activities for different types of learners and flexibility and making adjustments according to student needs (RtI, differentiated learning) (1 hour)

School ChecksAs a mentor, ask yourself these questions: Does my mentee have control of his or her classroom? Is he or she an effective classroom manager? If yes, continue to support your mentee. If no, ask your principal or assistant principal for assistance and suggestions. This is a time when you have to separate your personal feelings and professional judgments.

Classroom ChecksReflect with the mentee about different types of student work assigned during lessons. How as the student work assessed?Review your mentee’s grade book. Discuss the different performance assessments used to date. Brainstorm possible opportunities for a variety of performance modes. Ideas: dramatization, pencil and paper tests, oral questioning, computer activities, multimedia presentations, communications boards, recitation, performance, posters, products, journals, songs, newsletters, newspapers, models, maps, art work, etc. Are these reflected in the lesson plans?Together analyze mentee’s grade book. Discuss how assessments are being used in the classroom to help students succeed (before and after). Are all students successful? What is being done for the students who struggle and the students who excel? Discuss with your mentee- How can relevance be created for students by linking with prior experience?

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 39 – Model the Skills You TeachRead & Discuss Tip 41 – Encourage Active Students ParticipationRead & Discuss Tip 43 – Use Authentic Means of AssessmentRead & Discuss Tip 37 – Relate Lessons to Real Life



November2nd Year Teacher

Name of Mentor ____________________ Grade/Subject(s) ___________________Name of Mentee ____________________ Grade/Subject(s) __________________School(s) ___________________________

Review all October “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)Mentee observes Mentor – topic: cooperative learning and inquiry (1 hour)

School ChecksDiscuss upcoming holiday schedules and expectationsAsk yourself- does my mentee understand the content of his or her discipline? If yes, continue to help and support your mentee. If no, ask your principal or assistant principals for suggestions.

Classroom ChecksReview mentee’s lesson plans. Together look for planned lessons and activities that address variation in learning styles and performance modes, address diverse learners, problem solving and exploration. Are these methods demonstrated in the mentee’s lesson plans?Share examples of students work- both collaborative and independent activitiesDiscuss methods of inquiry- Share with your mentee Marzano’s or Bloom’s levels of questioningDiscuss how an interdisciplinary approaches being used when writing lesson plans

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 42 – Challenge Students to Think CriticallyRead & Discuss Tip 44 – Vary Your Teaching StrategiesRead & Discuss Tip 45 – Make Decisions Based on What’s Best for StudentsRead & Discuss Tip 36 – Allow and Encourage Students to work Cooperatively




December2nd Year Teacher

Name of Mentor _______________________Grade/Subject(s) ___________________Name of Mentee _______________________Grade/Subject(s) __________________School(s) ___________________________

Review all November “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)Mentor observes Mentee – topic: Writing (1 hour)

School Checks

Classroom ChecksDiscuss how all teachers contribute to achievement in the area of writingShare student writing - discuss rubrics and expectations Discuss any classroom management concerns

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 11 – Be ProactiveRead & Discuss Tip 13 – Use ProximityRead & Discuss Tip 14 – do Not Provoke DefensivenessRead & Discuss Tip 20 – Attack the Problem, Not the Person




January2nd Year Teacher


Review all December “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)Mentee observes a Special Education Room (1 hour)

School Checks

Classroom ChecksReflect with your mentee the care and rewards of working with special needs students Reflect on the following question with your mentee: “How have you adjusted interactions to accommodate the learning differences or needs of students?” Ideas: mentee adjusts classroom noise levels, pays attention to physical needs of students, makes visual adjustments, addresses mobility issues, and acknowledges and helps students with emotional problems.

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 74 – Give Your Students More Credit Than They DeserveRead & Discuss Tip 75 – Make Every Student Your “Favorite”Read & Discuss Tip 76 – Set the Stage for SuccessRead & Discuss Tip 77 – Provide Positive Feedback




February2nd Year Teacher


Review all January “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksEncourage your mentee to participate in collegial activities. Be sure your mentee is attending mandated meetings, faculty meetings, workshops, grade level meetings, and team or department meetings.

Classroom ChecksReflect with your mentee: How do I link with professionals within the school and community? Discuss grant-writing opportunities

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 62 – Dress Like a Professional Read & Discuss Tip 65 – Maintain Your ComposureRead & Discuss Tip 67 – Avoid “Acting When Angry”Read & Discuss Tip 69 – Focus on What You Can Change




March2nd Year Teacher


Review all February “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (1 hour)

School Checks

Classroom ChecksReflect on the following question with your mentee: Do you select and use multiple teaching and learning strategies to encourage students’ critical thinking? Encourage your mentee to try new and multiple strategies to increase students’ learning. Suggest including media or manipulative materials for increased communication.Reflect on the following question with your mentee: Do you assume different roles in the instructional process to accommodate content, purpose, and learning needs? Encourage your mentee to assume different roles during instruction. Ideas include lecturer, moderator, coach, facilitator, or becoming an active learner with the children.

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 32 – Refrain from “Lecturing”Read & Discuss Tip 33 – Refrain from “Textbook Teaching”Read & Discuss Tip 79 – Act as Though Every Subject You Teach Is Your “Favorite”




April2nd Year Teacher


Review all March “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (1 hour)

School ChecksReview end of year activities

Classroom ChecksReflect with your Mentee: What kind of rapport do you have with your students, staff, parents, and community?

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 86 – Be “Human” to Your StudentsRead & Discuss Tip 88 – Remember that Little Things Make a Big DifferenceRead & Discuss Tip 93 – Thank Your Students OftenRead & Discuss Tip 90 – Avoid “Nagging”




May/June2nd Year Teacher


Review all April “checks” for completionMentor meets one time during the month (1 hour)

School Checks

Classroom ChecksReflect with mentee about next year. What changes would he/she make?Discuss results of the MME or spring testing program and how your mentee feels his/her students preformed. What changes would he/she make in preparation for testing next year? Dig into the data! Where were the week and strong areas? How can this information change your teaching?

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 94 – Recognize the Importance of Your InfluenceRead & Discuss Tip 95 – Realize that You Will Affect Lives




September3rd Year Teacher

While the first year focuses on fundamentals of teaching, and the second year offered the opportunity to consolidate these learning opportunities through reflection and application, the third year compiles all learning experiences and educational knowledge together. The checklist provided will accomplish the 15 hour requirement for mentoring a third-year teacher.


Set meeting dates for the year (once a month)Mentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)

Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of engaging and supporting all students in learning- How are these being accomplished in your Mentee’s classroom?

Connecting students’ prior knowledge, life experience, and interests with learning goalsUsing a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to students’ diverse needsFacilitating learning experiences that promote independence, interaction, and choiceEngaging students in problem solving, critical thinking and other activities that make subject matter meaningful (real world problems)Promoting self-directed, reflective learning for all students

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 30 – Teach Students at “Their Level”




October3rd Year Teacher


Mentor meets one time during the month (2 hour)

Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning.

Creating a physical environment that engages all studentsEstablishing a climate that promotes fairness and respectPromoting social development and group responsibilityEstablishing and maintaining standards for student behaviorPlanning and implementing classroom procedures and routines that support student learningUsing instructional time effectively

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 35 – Focus on Students’ Strengths




November3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of understanding and organizing content knowledge for students.

Demonstrating knowledge of subject matter content and student developmentOrganizing curriculum to support student understanding of subject matterInterrelating ideas and information within and across subject matter areasDeveloping student understanding through instructional strategies that are appropriate to the subject matterUsing materials, resources and technologies to make subject matter accessible to students

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 84 – Encourage Improvement, Not Perfection




December3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students.

Reflecting all students’ backgrounds, interests and developmental learning needs in planningEstablishing and articulating goals for student learning and designing long and short-term plansDeveloping and sequencing instructional activities and materials for student learningModifying instructional plans to adjust for student needs

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 83 – Get to Know Your Students




January3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of assessing student learning.

Collecting and using the results of multiple assessments to guide instructionInvolving and guiding all students in assessing their own learningCommunicating with students, families, and other audiences about student progress

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 100 – Teach Students that Mistakes Are Wonderful Learning Opportunities




February 3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of developing as a professional educator to improve teaching and learning.

Reflect on teaching practice and professional development that were beneficialEstablishing professional goals and pursuing opportunities to grow professionallyWorking with communities to improve professional practiceWorking with families to improve professional practiceWorking with colleagues to improve professional practiceBalancing professional responsibilities and maintaining motivation

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 98 – Inspire for a LifetimeRead & Discuss Tip 99 – Keep and “I Am Special” Folder




March3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee the importance of motivating and having a rapport with students

Reflect on motivational techniques found to be successfulEstablishing and keeping rapport with students

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 63 – Devise a “Teacher Report Card”




April3rd Year Teacher



Focus QuestionsReflect, discuss, and share examples with your Mentee on the importance of a teacher’s influence.Share your best experiences of the last 3 years

101 “Answers” for New Teachers and Their MentorsRead & Discuss Tip 101 – Refuse to Give Up on Any child


Congratulations!