We support and challenge new teachers to reach their full potential with a focus on the Charlotte Danielson Framework, the Common Core State Standards, and the Illinois State Assessments.

Novice teachers reach their full potential through professional development meetings and activities with a leadership mentor. The novice teacher is engaged with their mentor over the two years in activities designed to strengthen the new teacher’s practice.  The activities address the development of the meta-cognitive skills of the novice teacher and accentuate the importance of becoming reflective practitioners. 

Program Benefits:

Mentor training

Structured activities for new teachers and mentors

Ongoing professional development

Professional development hours awarded equal to more than 75% of that needed for teacher relicensing

Limited administrator workload

Networking with other districts 

Stipends:  Program stipends are paid to participating teachers for attendance at meetings at the rate of $30 per meeting. Mentors for first year teachers receive a stipend of $30 plus a $300 stipend for completing activities with each first year teacher. Mentors for second year teachers receive a stipend of $30 per meeting plus a $250 stipend for each second year teacher.

 

Costs:  $1,000 per first year teacher and $600 per second year teacher. Over 60% of the money collected is returned to the district participants and mentors as stipends.  The remainder is used to fund meeting costs, program costs, and the end of the year celebration.

Program Requirement:  This program requires a two-year commitment by mentors and participating teachers to complete professional development at GSU and in districts as well as completing reflections, action plans, formative assessments and assessing student work activities with a mentor.

 

Program Coordinators:  Mike Hurst and Katelyn Karstensen are the program coordinators who will provide the mentor training and ongoing professional development.  They are dedicated to strengthening the teaching profession by providing new teachers with the support they need to be successful.  They believe that all students deserve a knowledgeable educator with a strong sense of professional practice. 


For more information, please contact Program Coordinators Mike Hurst (mhurst2@govst.edu) and Katie Karstensen (kkarstensen@govst.edu) or 708.235.7594.

CONTACT US

Email: ContinuingEd@govst.edu

Phone: 708.534.4099