FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SANTA CRUZ NEW TEACHER PROJECT (SCNTP). . .

Questions from Beginning Teachers:

How often will I see my beginning teacher advisor?
Advisors will be working with each of their beginning teachers every week for one to two hours.

What types of things will my advisor be doing while working with me?
Advisors will engage in a variety of activities with their beginning teachers such as observing lessons, assisting with lesson planning, meeting informally with beginning teachers, modeling lessons, and helping to create professional growth plans.

Will my advisor be evaluating my teaching skills?
No. Advisors will not serve as evaluators. Their role is one of collegial support to help beginning teachers improve their teaching practices.

If I confide in my advisor about a troublesome teaching issue, will she tell my principal about the issue?
No. The relationship between an advisor and beginning teacher is one of complete confidentiality and respect.

Will I have to complete tasks for my district’s current mentoring program as well as for the SCNTP?
No. Because we are piloting this mentoring program in your school, you will only be required to complete tasks for the SCNTP. In fact, your district’s current mentoring program will not be implemented in your school while the SCNTP is being piloted. However, any activities designed specifically for all beginning teachers, such as inservice trainings, will require your attendance.

What are the advantages of being a part of the SCNTP?
The SCNTP has achieved outstanding results in the retention of new teachers and in strong student achievement rates. Because the support from advisors is both frequent and intensive in this program, beginning teachers grow tremendously and become extremely skilled teachers. Current mentoring programs assign each beginning teacher a “buddy teacher,” however his/her buddy has classroom responsibilities. The SCNTP advisors are fully released from the classroom for two years which enables them to devote their entire time and efforts to the needs of their beginning teachers. (Please refer to the Comparison Chart enclosed in this packet.)

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