2026-2027 Mentor Teacher Program

Qualifications

Minimum of three years of successful teaching

Strong instructional background

Successful implementation of the NJ Student Learning Standards

Expertise in training and leadership development is desirable

Experience working with at-risk students

Adept interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with staff, students, and parents

Must have a minimum rating of Effective

Responsibilities

Candidates will receive training to serve as Mentors for newly hired teaching staff.

Qualities of a High-Performing Mentor

• Commits To The Roles And Responsibilities Of Mentoring
• Accepts the Novice Teacher as a Developing Person and Professional
• Reflects on Interpersonal Communications and Decisions
• Dedicates time to meet with the novice teacher
• Persists in efforts to assist the novice teacher despite obstacles or setbacks
• Maintains congruence between mentoring words and actions
• Attends meetings, training or other professional development opportunities related to mentoring
• Models self-reflection and self-assessment as hallmarks of professionalism
• Anticipates the needs of the novice teacher by thinking like a novice teacher
• Understands the common problems and concerns of the novice teacher
• Applies theories of adult learning and development
• Models acceptance of diversity in others
• Adjusts communication style to the developmental needs of the novice teacher
• Respects the confidentiality of the mentor-novice teacher relationship
• Self-discloses regarding one's own professional challenges
• Models effective helping relationship skills
• Serves as an Instructional Coach
• Models a Commitment to Personal and Professional Growth
• Communicates Hope and Optimism for the Future
• Employs the clinical cycle of instructional support
• Values the role of shared experiences in the coaching process
• Engages the novice teacher in a professional learning community whenever possible
• Possesses knowledge of effective teaching practices
• Models openness to new ideas and instructional practices
• Lives the life of learner as well as teacher
• Engages the novice teacher as fellow student of learning and teaching
• Pursues professional growth related to teaching and mentoring
• Advises the novice teacher on professional growth opportunities
• Encourages and praises the novice teacher
• Holds and communicates high expectations for the novice teacher
• Projects a positive disposition toward the teaching profession
• Avoids criticism of students, parents, and colleagues

Mentoring Costs

Mentoring costs associated with the Provisional Teacher Program which the Mentees are responsible for:

• Teachers holding a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing ("CEAS") - the Mentee is responsible for paying your mentor fee of $550 for your services through payroll deductions.
• Teachers holding a Certificate of Eligibility ("CE") - are responsible for paying your mentor fee of $1,000 for your services.

Please be advised that the fees may be prorated if training was received in a prior district or in a prior school year within the District.

Mentor fees are deducted per pay cycle and paid at the end of the school year to the Mentor.