Bemus Point, Frewsburg and Panama Central Schools are taking part in the teacher mentoring program.

The purpose of the program is to help new teachers settle into their roles and broaden their classroom teaching skills by having their own mentor who is a veteran teacher at the same school. The New York State Education Department began the statewide program in 2018 and it is set to run until 2023. Research done for the program shows that when new teachers are mentored they are more likely to increase their teaching skills and remain in the classroom.

At Bemus Point, this program is in place to help start the school year off well.

“We’ve had this program for many years,” Superintendent Joseph Reyda said. “We try to link new teachers with veteran teachers at the same level or department. We use it to start off the year and be successful.”

At Frewsburg, all new teachers in their first year of teaching are able to be a part of this program.

“The Frewsburg Central School District mentors all new teachers who hold an initial certificate within the first year of employment as a teacher,” Superintendent Shelly O’Boyle said. “The purpose of the mentoring program is to provide support for new teachers, retain teachers, and increase the skills of new hires. The role of a Mentor Teacher is, at all times, non-supervisory. The Mentor Teacher assists a Mentee in professional development and adjustment to a new career and organization.”

The mentor program has been very successful at Frewsburg over the years and O’Boyle credited that to the selecting of the teachers who serve in the role as mentor.

“Selecting Mentor Teachers is the most significant factor in the success of our Mentor Program,” O’Boyle said. “Our Mentor Teachers must be professionals who have achieved the respect and recognition of their colleagues and supervisors. They must have; a minimum of three years of employment with Frewsburg Central School District, permanent certification or license in professional discipline, willingness to participate in and successfully complete required staff development, willingness to accept responsibility to serve as a Mentor Teacher throughout the Mentee’s probationary period, demonstration of mastery of teaching and subject matter skills, superior instructional skills, positive personal traits and interpersonal relationships, and related experiences like with a workshop, course presenter, or a coach.”

Similar to Bemus Point, Frewsburg also matches mentors and mentees with similar teaching areas or levels.

“In assigning Mentor Teachers and Mentees, we look at the immediate needs of the potential Mentee, similarity of assignment/certification match, and the proximity between Mentor Teacher and Mentee work locations,” O’Boyle said.