NCJ Number
187512
Date Published
September 1999
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The Mentor Teacher Program of the Virginia Department of Correctional Education (DCE) is designed to facilitate the successful entry of new teachers into the correctional setting.
Abstract
The program addresses the challenges of new DCE teachers in their role by focusing on assistance at the site level. Based on the concept of peer guidance, new teachers are matched with experienced correctional educators to provide a support system of mentorship for the first year of teaching. The program has four goals: (1) provide a framework for mentors that will assist them in their role; (2) provide new teachers with guidance to promote their professional development; (3) give professional and personal support to new teachers on topics specific to their situation; and (4) acclimate new teachers into the correctional education system. Details on the program are provided that concern the tasks and responsibilities of mentor teachers, mentor teacher qualifications, and guiding principles for mentor teachers. Appendixes contain forms, checklists, and certificates associated with the Mentor Teacher Program.