Educator Resources
NYS Mentor Teacher Internship Program
The New York State Legislature has appropriated funds supporting the development and implementation of mentor teacher-internship programs in local school districts and for instructional programs at boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES). Funding for this program is subject to yearly approval by the Legislature.
This program enables experienced teachers (mentors) in a district or BOCES to provide guidance and support to beginning teachers (interns) in their first or second year of teaching. Research shows that when new teachers are mentored they are more likely to continue teaching. The mentoring program provides the opportunity for beginning teachers to enhance their skill while participating in a productive and supportive experience.
Essential components of these programs include but are not limited to:
- Joint development of these programs by school administration and local teachers' bargaining agents.
- Program focus on the mentor/intern relationship which develops through the project year, as the mentor guides the new teacher to self-assessment, professional confidence and independence
- Release time for mentor and interns to participate in mentoring activities
- Defined mentor selection process, including establishment of a mentor selection committee
- Mentor training
- Described activities for mentors and interns
- Described role of principals in the program
- Program evaluation
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2012-2013 MENTOR TEACHER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ARE BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 22, 2012 FROM ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS/BOCES PREVIOUSLY AWARDED FUNDING FOR 2008-2009, THE FIRST YEAR OF THIS FIVE-YEAR FUNDING CYCLE.
Application materials are below.
(40KB)