BEGINNING TEACHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Should the District choose to participate in the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program, the following guidelines for participation shall be in effect: A. Beginning teachers are eligible to participate in the district’s new teacher support program. A beginning teacher shall mean a certificated teacher with fewer than ninety (90) consecutive days of classroom teacher experience in either a public or private school in any grade, kindergarten through grade 12, and who is under contract for the current school year by Walla Walla Public Schools. The support program shall include New Staff Orientation, the assignment of a Peer Mentor and participation in the District’s Mentor Teacher Program. Each beginning teacher and their peer mentor shall be given the equivalent of two (2) release days to be taken in at least half day blocks to work on instruction and or curriculum. B. Qualified individuals interested in becoming peer mentors, should make application to their supervisor or building principal prior to the end of the school year. Principals or supervisors may nominate additional individuals for participation. A peer mentor should: 1. Teach in the same major or related area of concentration as that of the beginning teacher and hold either a major or minor in that field. 2. Have taught successfully for not less than three (3) full years including at least one (1) year in the Walla Walla School District. 3. Demonstrate effective teaching skills. 4. Have a good understanding and perspective of District and building policies, procedures, and programs. 5. Possess a high level of professional development/commitment. 6. Demonstrate good communication and interpretation skills. 7. Have the necessary level of energy and enthusiasm and high level of creativity. 8. Be highly regarded by students, staff, and the community. C. Selection of peer mentors shall be made by the building principal and a representative appointed by the Association. Whenever a beginning teacher is nominated by a building principal or supervisor, the District shall notify the Association of that nomination. The Association shall then immediately appoint a representative for the selection process. D. Participation in the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program is required for the first year. The second year shall be optional. E. Beginning teachers participating in the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program will be paid per diem for hours spent participating in the program. There will be no more than one required meeting per month. These required meetings will last no more than two (2) hours. In addition, there will be an optional one (1) hour per diem time for lead teacher and beginning teacher to consult. F. New certificated employees will participate in the New Staff Orientation Week conducted in August, and will be compensated for their time with a stipend.
Appears in 5 contracts
Samples: Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement
