Quality in Education

Guilderland Teachers' Association
 

New Teacher/Mentor Program Information

Mission Statement
    The purpose of mentoring is to provide support and reflective guidance to new teachers using a team approach.  An effective mentor program needs trust, confidentiality, non-judgmental interactions, and mutual respect.  The results of mentoring are more effective teaching, a collegial atmosphere that encourages professional growth, celebration of success and providing a comfortable transition of new teachers into the culture of the Guilderland District.

Belief Statement
    The Guilderland Teachers Association, in an effort to provide support and reflective guidance to its new teachers, has developed a mentoring program.  The mentoring program employs a team approach which affords new teachers the benefit of interacting with many colleagues of varied experiences, grade levels and subject areas.

    An effective mentor program needs trusting relationships in order to address questions, needs, and concerns of new teachers.  Through confidential, nonjudgmental interaction, veteran professionals meet regularly with new teachers to support their growth and development.  This teacher generated mentor program in conducted with the support of the administrative network.

Program Goals
    The Mentors and Mentees at each school are encouraged to meet as a group at least once a month.  The goals of the Guilderland Educators Mentoring for Success (GEMS) are as follows:

• Easing the transition of new teachers
• Creating a collegial atmosphere that encourages professional growth
• Celebrating successes
• Developing more effective teaching
• Establishing a trusting relationship to assimilate new teachers into the cultural context of the Guilderland School District

Mentor Information

Current Mentors

Become a Mentor