Congressional Committee Discusses Mentoring

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a round table discussion last week on teachers and leaders as it pertains to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  

Among nine education leaders and experts testifying before the committee was Ellen Moir, the New Teacher Center's Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Moir emphasized that the nation must change the way it brings the newest educators into the teaching profession, and made three recommendations for inclusion in the ESEA.  

• Require states to establish standards for induction and mentoring programs that include rigorous mentor selection, mentor foundational training and on-going support, and dedicated time for mentor-new teacher interactions.
• Provide dedicated funding for the induction and mentoring of all new teachers for at least their first two years and require accountability from states to ensure program standards are met; and
• Hold states and districts accountable for giving new teachers the mentoring, professional support, and teaching conditions they need to be successful.

You can listen to the recorded discussion (go to 56:00) and/or read Ms. Moir's testimony.