May 2006

Applications for the 2006-2007 NYS Mentor Teacher Internship Program (MTIP), a competitive grant program, are now available. Due to NYSUT’s lobbying efforts, $6 million is available for the 2006-07 school years. The MTIP program is a state grant that provides partial funding to local school districts or BOCES to develop and implement a mentoring/induction program. During the 2005-06 school year, sixty-six school districts shared $6 million in funding.

The goal of the Mentor Teacher Internship Program is to provide guidance to teachers in a supportive environment. Research has documented the benefits of participation in quality mentoring programs for both new and experienced teachers. New teachers develop sound instructional practices, learn effective classroom management techniques, and focus on student achievement earlier as a result of a quality mentoring program. Experienced teachers benefit from sharing their skills and expertise, provide the emotional support new teachers need in the critical first year, and have the opportunity to reflect on their own thinking about teaching and learning. More importantly, with a planned induction into teaching, we increase the likelihood that beginning teachers will remain in the profession and in those schools that need highly qualified teachers the most.

The proposal must be jointly developed by the school administration and local teachers’ union and collectively bargained. Key elements of MTIP are:

• Focus on the mentor/intern relationship;
• 10% release time for interns and mentors;
• Selection and training of mentors and interns;
• Defined role and activities for the mentors and interns;
• Clearly described role of building principals; and
• How the program will be managed and evaluated.

SED will give special consideration to proposals submitted by districts with one or more schools under registration review (SURR schools), and/or schools in need of improvement or corrective action. Applications for continuing awards (districts that received awards last year) must be postmarked by June 19, 2006 and the submission deadline for NEW applications is July 18, 2006.

Contact Carolyn Williams for information regarding MTIP and developing district-based mentoring programs at 518-213-6000, ext. 6686 (1-800-342-9810) or by e-mail at cwilliam@nysutmail.org.

Applications

MTIP – New
MTIP – Continuing

NYSUT Research and Educational Services Information Bulletins regarding Mentoring and MTIP are available on the NYSUT website.

• New York State Mentor Teacher Internship Program
• District-based Mentoring Programs
• The Role of the Mentor in District-based Mentoring Programs
  

Doc#57605

NYSUT's Division of Research and Educational Services serves as the research arm of NYSUT, providing information and assistance to Field Services, to other NYSUT divisions, and to local leaders. In addition, the Division provides a variety of information and workshops to local leaders and to local member organizations.

NYSUT.ORG. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000.