CEA’s advocacy efforts to create a new – and crucial -- mentor and support program for beginning teachers will soon become a reality.

In early October, lawmakers approved – and Governor Rell signed into law – legislation to begin planning and implementing the Teacher Education and Mentor (TEAM) program that goes into effect July 1, 2010. It will replace the Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) program that expired June 30.

CEA was a member of the task force that created TEAM and had a major influence on the final recommendations approved by the legislature. However, final action to establish the new mentor program was delayed until a special session in October when the General Assembly adopted an education budget implementer bill.

“TEAM marks a new era for the thousands of teachers who enter the teaching profession in Connecticut each year,” says CEA President Phil Apruzzese. “TEAM will help Connecticut continue to attract and retain high quality teachers so we can provide the best possible education for our children.” 

Apruzzese says veteran and beginning teachers were very frustrated with BEST and worked hard to convince legislators to make changes to it. “Legislators, however, went further in deciding to eliminate BEST and replace it,” he adds. “TEAM now will give beginning teachers the critical support and mentor they need to be successful in the classroom.”

Funding for the new mentor program became an early victim of deep budget cuts proposed by Governor Rell in February when she eliminated funding for it. However, teachers throughout Connecticut mobilized to urge legislators to restore funding for the new mentor program to the state budget -- and keep it there until the General Assembly approved the final budget.

TEAM mentors will receive a $500 stipend per beginning teacher and can work with up to two beginning teachers, but no more than three. All mentors will provide 50 hours of support per beginning teacher for two years. Training will be provided for mentors as well as for retired teachers who are certified and who want to work as mentors.

TEAM focuses on mentoring and effective professional growth programs for beginning teachers. As part of completing a growth plan, beginning teachers will apply their new skills and knowledge in a classroom setting.

Mentor modules -- a central feature of TEAM -- will be completed with assistance of mentors. The modules are being developed by Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs) and other stakeholders, including teacher bargaining unit representatives.

However, beginning teachers will have flexibility in completing their module activities. TEAM also will be part of a district’s overall professional development plan.

“Through TEAM, beginning teachers will receive the intensive support they require during their first two years. It also will give teachers the vital and specific tools to help them develop professional-growth plans and become more effective in the classroom in a shorter period,” says CEA Educational Issues Specialist Linette Branham.

One of the most significant improvements over BEST is that TEAM shifts focus for beginning teachers from one of assessment to one of support and mentoring. “Mentors will work closely with beginning teachers to ensure that they receive support, guidance, and training opportunities,” says Branham.

Now that TEAM legislation has been enacted, work begins on developing modules, recruiting and training mentors, forming district TEAM committees, and creating an electronic data system for districts. Teachers and administrators will be learning more TEAM in coming months.

CEA will also play an important role in informing and working with  teachers and local Associations on implementing TEAM. The first step in helping members and local leaders better understand the new mentor program is a series of seven regional training workshops that Branham is conducting throughout October.

In addition, Branham and CEA’s Instructional and Professional Development Committee will be working with local Associations to provide ongoing support and training, identify teachers to serve on local TEAM committees, and use CEA/NEA resources as needed. Members who have questions about TEAM should e-mail Branham: linetteb@cea.org.