A Redesigned Approach to New Teacher Success
GovState Beginning Teacher Mentor Program
Support. Growth. Success. A Strong Start for Every Teacher.
Starting a teaching career shouldn’t mean navigating the classroom alone. The Beginning Teacher Mentor Program at Governors State University is a newly redesigned, research-based initiative built to support first-year educators through structured guidance, expert mentoring, and collaborative reflection.
We help new teachers build confidence, strengthen skills, and succeed — from day one.
What Makes Our Program Different
Our innovative model blends bi-monthly meetings with guided professional activities, aligned to the standards that matter most for teacher evaluation and growth:
| Month | Theme | Key Focus |
| August | Orientation | Professional knowledge, curriculum, ethics, and goal-setting |
| September | Learning Environment | Safe, respectful, student-centered classroom culture |
| November | Instructional Planning & Delivery | Standards-aligned lessons, active engagement, and effective delivery |
| January | Assessment & Mid-Year Reflection | Using student data to inform instruction and adjust goals |
| March | Collaboration & Communication | Partnering with families, colleagues, and communities |
| May | Professional Growth & Transition | Reflecting on year one and preparing for leadership and year two |
Led by Experienced Faculty Who Understand the Journey
The Beginning Teacher Mentor Program is facilitated by education professors at Governors State University who work directly with pre-service teachers and bring more than 20 years of experience as classroom teachers, special educators, and school administrators in both public and private schools. As faculty who prepare the next generation of educators — and as practitioners ourselves — we understand the unique challenges of the first year and are committed to supporting new teachers with guidance that is practical, personalized, and grounded in real-world experience.
Program Benefits
For New Teachers:
- • Structured guidance and reduced first-year stress
- • Professional portfolio development aligned with standards
- • Regular feedback, reflection, and goal-setting
- • Alignment with IPES, Danielson, and Stronge evaluation frameworks
For Districts:
- • Improved teacher retention and effectiveness
- • Compliance with Illinois mentoring and induction requirements
- • Implementation of evidence-based practices that strengthen instructional quality
How It Works
- • Mandatory Orientation: August (2-hour in-person session)
- • Five 90-minute Meetings: Bi-monthly on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM (in-person & online)
- • Off-Month Mentor/Mentee Activities: Practical, standards-based classroom applications
- • Bi-Weekly Check-Ins: Ongoing mentor support and feedback
- • Portfolio Development: Documenting growth across all key teaching domains
What You’ll Build: Your Professional Portfolio
Throughout the year, participants collect and reflect on evidence related to:
- • Classroom culture and environment
- • Instructional planning and delivery
- • Assessment and student growth
- • Professional learning and reflection
- • Communication and community engagement
Grounded in Excellence
This program is fully aligned with:
- • Illinois Professional Educator Standards (IPES)
- • Stronge Teacher Effectiveness Standards
- • Danielson Framework for Teaching
- • Illinois Beginning Teacher Induction Program Standards
Eligibility
Open to first-year licensed teachers across early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary grades.
Facilitator Bios:
Amy L. Kelly, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Governors State University, where she teaches early childhood methods and supervises field experiences and student teaching for undergraduate and graduate students. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kelly brings both practical classroom insight and research expertise to her work. She supports pre-service and beginning teachers through mentorship, supervision, and coursework grounded in inclusive, reflective, and culturally responsive practices. Her scholarship focuses on teacher voice, standardized assessment, and photovoice as a tool for reflection.
Dr. Candace Smith brings over 22 years of educational expertise to the GovState Beginning Teacher Mentor Program, seamlessly blending classroom experience (Pre-K through 5th grade) with leadership roles as both assistant principal and principal in diverse school settings. As an Assistant Professor at Governors State University, she understands the journey from theory to practice that beginning teachers navigate. District administrators value her balanced approach that pairs accountability with compassion, while new teachers benefit from her relationship-centered mentorship that transforms classroom challenges into growth opportunities. Dr. Smith's commitment to whole-child development, culturally responsive teaching, and building strong educational communities equips participants with practical strategies that support both teacher retention and student achievement. Her unique combination of public and private school experience ensures mentees develop versatile skills applicable across educational environments, allowing a path to guide educators taking their first steps into the profession.
Ready to Join Us?
Registration is now open for the 2025 cohort!
To register, please contact:
Dr. Akiko Ota
Director, English Language Learning and Educational Partnerships
aota@govst.edu
708-534-3143