The PI 34 Steering Committee would like to extend its gratitude to those that have committed themselves to the mentoring pilot. We encourage remaining schools to consider the benefits of this important and worthwhile endeavor. Schools will be selected shortly.

It is essential to provide new teachers with support, advice and assistance. A mentor's guidance is critical for growth in initial educator's profession.

As such, the Steering Committee has devised the following criteria to be met by participating pilot schools:

1. Essential for a successful mentoring program, all mentors will attend a training session on June 17 -18.

2. Mentor compensation is $400 paid by the mentee's (initial educator) school. Sources for funds to include but are not limited to: continuing education budget, professional development budget, and Title I money.

3. Mentors will receive valuable resources to help facilitate the process.

4. Mentees will attend an August 16th orientation session at the Cousins Center.

5. Mentors and mentees will meet weekly, schedule two hours of classroom visits and attend ten support seminars throughout the year.

It is our vision that the mentor's knowledge, commitment, and guidance will help the initial educator find success in their first teaching assignment.

The attached document presents more information on the 2004-2005 Pilot Mentoring Program and also includes an application for the program.

The PI 34 Steering Committee

May, 2004