Teacher Licensure/Pathwise Mentoring Program
Van Buren School District was selected as 1
of 15 districts in Arkansas to participate in the statewide mentoring project
in May, 2000. In July, 2000 the Arkansas Department of Education trained
37 staff members; 25 teachers and 12 administrators. Five of the mentors
were provided extra training to become mentor trainers.
As novice teachers leave college after successfully
pass the Praxis I and II, the mentor will provide the assistance
necessary for the novice teacher to pass the Praxis IIi during the 1-3
year period to be issued full certification.
The mentoring program focuses on:
- Mentoring relationships between new and experienced teachers.
- Targeted professional development for participating teachers.
- A focus on the first year of teaching.
- Evaluation
Research has shown the results of high quality training
can be significant in reducing attrition and improving student achievement.
Van Buren School District Mentoring Program provides two mentors at each elementary
building and three mentors at each secondary building to enable the mentor and
novice teacher to meet for the required number of hours or more if necessary
to plan, conference and observe.
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