Mentoring Reflection Paper

The video I viewed on mentoring profiled the Chicago Public School district. However, the same situations for new teachers exist around the country. In most school systems, first year teachers are often put in a classroom and left to figure it out on their own. In addition, it was noted, first year teachers are often given some of the toughest assignments in the school. In recent studies, 50% of new teachers leave the profession in the first 3-5 years. This video examined a relatively new organization called New Teacher Center. The NTC is an educational non-profit organization that focuses on 1st year teacher development, led by veteran teachers. Mentors meet 1 on 1 to provide professional development, leadership training, and specific advice on classroom management. The NTC receives its funding from numerous foundations and the US Department of Education. They partner with school districts and educators throughout Chicago to implement best practices for new teacher induction. Recent data showed the NTC had over 7,000 mentors and was mentoring over 15,000 new teachers. While early in its stages, the NTC estimates it has increased teacher retention by 20 percent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P5uSQ9E-NU Learning for the Future -

The video examined how PLCs helped to ensure teachers work collaboratively. It was discussed in the video that, by coming together as educators student learning is improved because you are reviewing each other’s practices, reflecting, and result oriented. It was also noted that PLCs can be school wide but have the ability to focus on an individual student. According to one school from the video, their district began using staff development teachers. These are teachers used to lead PLC meetings, review data and assist teachers with their needs. I found this to be an interesting