Missouri Revised Statutes













Chapter 161

State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

←161.371

Section 161.375.1

161.400→

August 28, 2015

Teachers and principals, standards for high-quality mentoring to be developed.

161.375. 1. The department of elementary and secondary education shall

develop standards for high-quality mentoring for beginning teachers and

beginning principals no later than June 30, 2008. The standards shall be

applicable to all public schools and shall be developed to ensure that the

required district mentoring programs under subsection 3 of section 168.021

meet common objectives.



2. Such standards shall be established for both of the required years of

mentoring under subsection 3 of section 168.021 and shall be based upon, but

not be limited to, the following principles:



(1) Every district shall have a teacher-driven mentor program in

collaboration with and support of the administration;



(2) Guidance and support are required for all beginning teachers,

regardless of when they enter the profession;



(3) Communication between mentors and beginning teachers is open and

confidential;



(4) Quality mentors are necessary to establish beginning teachers' trust

and respect for their colleagues and profession; and



(5) All staff members provide informal support for beginning teachers.



3. Quality mentor programs shall include, but not be limited to, the

following:



(1) An introduction to the cultural environment of the community and the

school district;



(2) A systemic and ongoing evaluation by all stakeholders;



(3) An individualized plan for beginning teachers that aligns with the

district's goals and needs;



(4) Appropriate criteria for selecting mentors;



(5) Comprehensive mentor training;



(6) A complete list of responsibilities for the mentor, beginning

teacher, and administrators; and



(7) Sufficient time for mentors to observe beginning teachers and for

the beginning teachers to observe master teachers, structured to provide

multiple opportunities over time and to minimize the need to require

substitute teachers to facilitate observation.



4. In developing such standards, the department shall involve

representatives who are Missouri certified teachers, administrators, and

others.



(L. 2007 S.B. 64)







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