Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template

Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template

Goal:
What types of support help my new teachers succeed? What impact do induction and mentoring programs have on teacher retention? What are the characteristics of effective induction and mentoring programs?

Action Step(s)
1.Experienced teachers are identified and invited by principal to join the mentorship program for the coming school year.
Person(s) Responsible
Principal
Timeline:Start/End
April/May
Needed Resources
Experienced teachers

Action Step(s)
2.Newly hired teachers are matched with mentors by principals. Mentors make contact with protégé by phone, email, or letter.
Person(s)Responsible
Principal
Timeline:Start/End
May-August

Action Step(s)
3.Mentor meets beginning teacher and provides support on arrival and during orientation.
Person(s)Responsible
Mentor and protégé
Timeline:Start/End
August/ September
Needed Resources
In the formal mentorship program, a new or beginning teacher is paired with a trained, experienced mentor who will provide support ranging from professional advice on classroom management to information about life in the community.

Action Step(s)
4.Questionnaires given to new-hire teachers, 1-5 year teachers, and mentor teachers
Person(s)Responsible
Principal
Timeline:Start/End
September
December
May
Needed Resources
Questionnaires to be designed by Principal
Evaluation
Comments will be tallied and graphed.
Results will be discussed at the quarterly meetings.

Action Step(s)
5.School Team Planning/ Team Teaching
Several teachers teaching at a similar grade level or subject area meet regularly for joint planning. The team ideally consists of experienced and beginning teachers.
Person(s)Responsible
Principal
Timeline:Start/End
August - June
Needed Resources
Teachers share ideas, brainstorm, choose a format that suits everyone, and then expand the plan into more detailed, short-term weekly or daily plans. Teachers share responsibility for gathering resources and creating learning materials.
Evaluation
Team planning and team teaching allow teachers to share the planning and teaching responsibility, thus creating a cooperative model for their students. It reduces the feeling of isolation for teachers and also facilitates on-going feedback and opportunity for professional growth and reflection.

Action Step(s)
6.Quarterly meetings with new-hire teachers, 1-5 year teachers, mentor teachers, principal, and assistant principal
Person(s)Responsible
Principal
Timeline:Start/End
September
December
March
June
Needed Resources
Conference room
Snacks
Evaluation
Teachers will be asked to express positive and negative experiences.
Teachers and principal will work collaboratively to address any issues which arise.

Action Step(s)
7.Professional Development
Person(s)Responsible
Principal and professional development personnel
Timeline:Start/End
As specified by school and regional professional development calendars.
Needed Resources
*Workshops
*Beginning teacher workshops (by arrangement)
*Courses
*On-line learning
*Committee work
*Staff meetings
*Research
*Curriculum development
Evaluation
PD for beginning teachers should address areas of greatest need to allow for the connection of theory in pre-service with teaching experience in the beginning years. Experienced teachers also benefit by refreshing knowledge and by learning new strategies.


Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools
Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs
© Eye On Education