SPS New Teacher Mentorship Program

Assignment #3

New Teacher Mentorship Program in Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS)

Over the last couple of years Saskatoon Public Schools has changed the format of their new teacher mentorship program.

The purpose of the program is "To help all students learn and achieve at high levels." In this way, induction and mentoring serve the strategic reason for such a program.

The programs goals are:
*to support the learning of the new job and reduce the stress that comes with it
*to improve instructional performance by modeling and collaboration
*to attract new staff in a very competitive recruiting environment
*to retain excellent veteran staff in a setting where their contributions are valued
*to promote the socialization of new staff into the school "family", values and priorities

The purpose of this evaluation assessment is to determine the effectiveness of the program in meeting the above goals.

Contributors to the process will be:
*New teacher mentees,
*Experienced teachers mentors
*School based administration
*Senior administration (central office)
*Member(s) of the SPS New Teacher Support Committee

The information from this evaluation will prove useful for several reasons.
*It will assist SPS and the New Teacher Support Committee in planning effective processes to
support new teacher learning
*It will provide feedback and suggestions for teacher mentors and school-based administrators
as to how they can work along side their new teachers in a more purposeful or valuable way
*It will assist in determining whether or not to continue with the program

Questions
1. What processes/activities are in place to support new teacher learning and teaching?
2. What do people do differently as a result of the program?
3. Are new teachers satisfied with the support offered?
4. Do teacher mentors have an in-depth understanding of their roles?
5. Do school-based administrators have an in-depth understanding of their roles?
6. Are all new teachers across SPS receiving similar experiences or are there inconsistencies
depending on where one works?
7. What changes or modifications do those involved see as important?

Resources
Following are the sources of information needed
*People identified to be involved
*Time to conduct interviews
*Survey
*Literature/Research that supports effective mentorship models

The two methods, I will use, for obtaining the data will be through interviews and surveys. These will be one-time surveys and interviews conducted in the middle of the school year. The interviews will be recorded for transcription purposes.

Analyzing the Data
The computer generated survey will be tabulated with the technology, as well as, I will review the data to organize the information. I will also collate and organize the interview data.

Once I have the data organized and collated I will collaborate with SPS New Teacher Support Committee, school-based administrators and teachers to interpret the findings. It will be important to seek the input from all stakeholders as various views will lead to greater understanding for effective future planning.

The evaluation will be communicated to all those involved through a written report but also through conversations with the decision makers connected to this program.

Saskatoon Public Schools strives to recruit and retain only the best teacher candidates. To anticipate that new teachers will be performing at an expected standard means that clear support plans be in place. New teachers are charged with understanding and implementing successful instructional strategies, effective classroom management, the need for community development and ongoing learning. Without guidance and structured support from colleagues and administration the overwhelming job of a teacher may become daunting and their ability to help students learn and achieve at high levels may be jeopardized.