“No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure.” Emma Goldman

The New Teacher Mentor Program supports the training of new teachers and the transfer of career switchers, transfers, and former teachers returning to the profession to Prince Edward County Public Schools. PECPS uses the Pathwise Model in assisting new teachers to the teaching profession

All new teachers new to the profession and division have mentors or collegial friends in keeping with the Pathwise Model. The New Teacher Mentor Program Coordinator, Mrs. Ellen Wood, supervises the district-wide program. Through site coordinators at each school, along with mentors, collegial friends, and school administration, the entire group works towards helping new teachers understand “best practice” techniques in the classroom and division, state, and national teaching initiatives.

A mentor will work closely with the new teacher for a minimum of 10 hours throughout the year. In some cases panels may be set up to address multiple new teacher assignments.

A collegial friend works on an “as needs” basis.

In many cases, department chairs and the grade level team concept also provides another avenue for collaboration.

The mentor and new teacher relationship is based on trust, collaboration, and communication. Each partner has a responsibility to move towards professional growth: the one moving towards learning the teaching trade and the other, sharing educational expertise and division knowledge.

Site Coordinators monitor the New Teaching Mentorship Program and assist where necessary by seeing that basic parameters are being met. They help problem solve, offer guidance and expertise, and work directly with the New Teacher Mentor Program Coordinator in fulfilling the objectives of the program’s goals.

As fellow educators, we realize how important the role of a teacher can be in a child’s life. We all work towards building teacher professionals who exemplify best practices.

Workshops throughout the year, an internet forum for discussion, and general assistance are provided throughout the year. All new teachers and mentors have password protected access to Pathwise. New Teachers to the division should feel free to use the “question and answer link” found in this web site section to address issues, programs, or questions.