Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006

An overview of where New York State stands in the move to higher standards and more rigorous tests.

HOME | STANDARDS | Your Students | Your Credentials | Sample Tests | Resources | News Archive

Your Credentials

Mentoring proves its value in teacher retention

gates chili teacher and mentorPosted: June 5, 2005

Pictured: Gates-Chili middle-level teacher Wendy Taylor, standing, mentors Melissa Houser, a new teacher in the Monroe County district.

It is commonly believed that about one out of every three new teachers leaves the profession in the first five years.

Now, consider that research has also shown that new teachers who are properly mentored are more likely to stay in teaching.

Together, it underscores the importance of a year-old state regulation that mandates a one-year mentored experience for anyone with an initial certificate in the first year of teaching.

Those mentoring programs must be part of your school district's Professional Development Plan, a document whose provisions are developed by a majority of teachers appointed by the union.

"We know that mentoring works, and it is an effective way to help teachers make it through the first few years," said Maria Neira, vice president of New York State United Teachers.

NYSUT has been working to assure that all districts take the mentoring regulation seriously.

While districts have some flexibility in putting together a mentoring program, all programs should:

  • define the mentor's role. Unless the local union contract provides an evaluation role for mentors, the mentor-teacher relationship should focus on support and guidance and be confidential;
  • provide mentor training and preparation. Many programs provide a stipend for the additional time required;
  • include a defined set of activities;
  • have a clear, publicized process for selecting mentors; and
  • allow mentors and new teachers time to meet regularly.

A recent NYSUT Briefing Bulletin outlines the role of the mentor in district-based mentoring programs. Find it at www.nysut.org/research/.

The Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006 was developed by New York Teacher in conjunction with the union's Division of Research and Educational Services. Articles are by John Strachan. Updated June 2005. For updates, read New York Teacher, or go to the Web site at www.nysut.org. Single copies are available while supplies last. Bulk order requests should be made through local union presidents. Write NYSUT Publications, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110-2455; e-mail jmalec@nysutmail.org; or call (800) 342-9810, ext. 6260. Ask for item No. 204/05 from the Publications Department. The complete guide is also available for download at nysut.org/standards.

NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.

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