What is beginning teacher mentorship?
Mentorship is a nonevaluative, learning-focused relationship in which a beginning teacher and a mentor work together to reflect, collaborate and grow as professionals.
Think of a mentor as a lighthouse: the boat navigates the waters, and the lighthouse illuminates the path ahead.
How can a mentor help you?
If you’re new to teaching—or just new to the province—a mentor can guide your journey through the school year.
Your mentor can support you while you gain experience and learn more about teaching, student learning, your school community and your professional identity.
According to research conducted by the ATA, mentorship was among the most valued supports beginning teachers received during their first five years.
Starting a beginning teacher mentorship program? The ATA can help!
- Start-up funding to establish a mentorship steering committee
- Workshops for beginning teachers, mentors and school leaders
- Program supports for your mentorship steering committee
- Support from bilingual executive staff officers and PD facilitators
Contact pdworkshops@ata.ab.ca to get started.
Sample timeline for a formal mentorship program
| April–May |
Establish a mentorship steering committee that includes representation from your ATA local, your school district and the provincial Association. |
| May–June |
The mentorship steering committee plans the mentorship program. |
| June–August |
School leaders attend the workshop A Principal’s Guide to Teacher Induction (facilitated by an ATA staff officer). |
| June–September |
Identify beginning teachers and mentors for the program. |
| October–May |
Mentors and beginning teachers participate in the following:
October—Mentorship Workshop 1 (facilitated by an ATA staff officer or PD facilitator)
November–January—District and local mentorship activities
February—Mentorship Workshop 2 (facilitated by an ATA staff officer or PD facilitator).
February–May—District and local mentorship activities
|
| May |
Engage in program evaluation, wrap-up and celebration activities.
Apply for start-up grant funding to cover mentorship steering committee expenses accrued over the year (application due June 30).
|
| Ongoing |
The mentorship steering committee meets as needed. |
Join the network
The Beginning Teacher Network is a pilot program that provides support for Alberta teachers who are:
- New to the teaching profession
- New to the province
How does the program work?
- Attend virtual sessions, facilitated by experienced teachers, focused on topics relevant to your beginning teacher context.
- Connect with colleagues and mentors to discuss issues and build your professional network.
- Choose sessions that are relevant to you OR attend them all!
Sign up to join the Beginning Teacher Network