Mentoring Program
Coordinator Pre K-5: Annmarie DeMeo
Telephone: 781-314-5720 ext. 11113
Coordinator 6-12: Tom Grinnell
Telephone: 781-314-5440 ext. 7708
For all Mentoring documents click here.
Mission Statement
The Waltham Public Schools is committed to a mentor program to enhance student learning by promoting the personal and professional growth of our educators. The mentor program will foster collegiality, encourage best practices, and create a culture of support within a community of learners.
Goals
| 1. To provide non-evaluative and confidential support to teachers new to the Waltham Public Schools. |
| 2. To improve teaching and learning. |
| 3. To reduce concerns and attempt to overcome challenges common to new staff. |
| 4. To foster collegiality and congeniality. |
| 5. To offer opportunities for professional staff to analyze and reflect upon the best practices in teaching and to enhance the development of good teaching skills. |
| 6. To ensure the retention of quality teachers. |
Who Needs to be mentored?
The Waltham Public Schools provides a mentoring program for new teachers in the system. Teachers new to the profession will be paired with a mentor. Teachers possessing initial licensure will be required to participate for two years in accordance with the certification guidelines as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Experienced teachers new to the system will be matched with a liaison at the school in which they are employed by the principal or individual program director.
Will teachers who are hired after January 1st be mentored?
No formal mentoring will take place for new teachers hired after January 1. Their induction year of mentoring will begin the following school year.
How will mentors be matched with new teachers?
Mentors and beginning teachers will be ideally matched by the following priority list:
| 1. Same grade in building (K-6) |
| 2. Subject (secondary & departmentally affiliated staff) |
| 3. Compatible schedules |
| 4. Close proximity location |
The Mentor Coordinator, building principal and/or director will match mentors and beginning teachers no later than mid-August.
How long will teachers be mentored?
New teachers to the profession who possess initial certification will be mentored for 70 hours in year one. Teachers who possess initial certification will be mentored an additional 50 hours in year two. The number of hours required for new teachers is in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Education regulations for new teacher induction programs.