161.375. Teachers and principals, standards for high-quality mentoring to be developed. - Missouri Statutes

Teachers and principals, standards for high-quality mentoring to bedeveloped.

161.375. 1. The department of elementary and secondary educationshall develop standards for high-quality mentoring for beginning teachersand beginning principals no later than June 30, 2008. The standards shallbe applicable to all public schools and shall be developed to ensure thatthe required district mentoring programs under subsection 3 of section168.021, RSMo, meet common objectives.

2. Such standards shall be established for both of the required yearsof mentoring under subsection 3 of section 168.021, RSMo, and shall bebased upon, but not be limited to, the following principles:

(1) Every district shall have a teacher-driven mentor program incollaboration with and support of the administration;

(2) Guidance and support are required for all beginning teachers,regardless of when they enter the profession;

(3) Communication between mentors and beginning teachers is open andconfidential;

(4) Quality mentors are necessary to establish beginning teachers'trust and respect for their colleagues and profession; and

(5) All staff members provide informal support for beginningteachers.

3. Quality mentor programs shall include, but not be limited to, thefollowing:

(1) An introduction to the cultural environment of the community andthe school district;

(2) A systemic and ongoing evaluation by all stakeholders;

(3) An individualized plan for beginning teachers that aligns withthe district's goals and needs;

(4) Appropriate criteria for selecting mentors;

(5) Comprehensive mentor training;

(6) A complete list of responsibilities for the mentor, beginningteacher, and administrators; and

(7) Sufficient time for mentors to observe beginning teachers and forthe beginning teachers to observe master teachers, structured to providemultiple opportunities over time and to minimize the need to requiresubstitute teachers to facilitate observation.

4. In developing such standards, the department shall involverepresentatives who are Missouri certified teachers, administrators, andothers.

(L. 2007 S.B. 64)