| Teacher retention is a challenge to schools across the country. Data demonstrates that the majority of teachers leave the profession altogether in their first 5 years. Among the primary reasons for new teacher attrition are lack of support, a feeling of isolation, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the nature and number of their responsibilities. Research also shows that mentoring can substantially alleviate these problems and positively impact both teacher retention and effectiveness. There are some inherent problems with a wholly face-to-face mentoring experience, however. The schedules of the mentor and the "mentee" may not be compatible. Mentors may not be available to attend training seminars when the trainers are available. Travel—whether teachers attend training or trainers come to the teachers—is expensive. Also, spending time in training sessions means teachers are away from the classroom, and paying substitutes means an additional expense for schools. Distance education technology facilitates content delivery and communications, making it an effective tool for training and mentoring teachers.
This national videoconference is a unique opportunity for K-12 educators and teacher training institutions to interact with four panelists who are incorporating technology-mediated instruction and feedback into successful teacher mentoring and induction models. Join Sharon Kortman, Arizona State University; Dave Herz, New Teacher Center, California; Chris Whitbeck, Brookline Public Schools, Massachusetts; and Shelby Bivins, Collin County (Texas) Community College's Teacher Certification Program to learn about what they are doing, how they are doing it, and why it is working.
Panelists
Shelby Bivins, MEd is the Mentor Coordinator and teaches for the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) at Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) in Allen, Texas. In addition to coordinating the mentoring program, Ms. Bivins mentors teaching interns for the TCP. She is a certified PDAS trainer, certified Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) trainer and a certified Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBESS) trainer. Prior to coming to CCCCD, Ms. Bivins mentored teachers integrating technology into their teaching. She also served as a media specialist and special educator in the Kyrene School District in Tempe, Arizona. Ms. Bivins holds a Masters Degree in Educational Media and Computers from Arizona State University and a Bachelors Degree in Education. Ms. Bivins has been published in Knowledge Quest, the American Association for School Librarians (AASL) professional journal. She is a member of the National Association for Community College Teacher Education Programs. Ms. Bivins has presented at state and national conferences on the topics related to information literacy and mentoring and teacher induction.
Dave Herz, BA has fulfilled a variety of roles in his 15 years in elementary education. Currently an Outreach Coordinator for the New Teacher Center, he previously served for three years as a New Teacher Mentor for the Franklin-McKinley New Teacher Project, supporting first and second-year teachers. As an experienced mentor, Dave trains other mentors on both the local and national levels. For the past two years, he has worked to develop NTC-ONLINE, an online resource for new teachers and their mentors. His efforts are aimed at building the capacity of mentors in their use of technology and their ability to model it for their mentees. He also has a role in developing online modules that support new teachers' ability to plan lessons integrating technology. Before leaving the classroom to become a mentor, Dave taught first grade for ten years. He served as a technology lead teacher at his school sites, developing and overseeing three websites and developing strategies for integrating technology into planning, assessment, and delivery of instruction. He also teamed with other mentors to provide professional development for new teachers.
Sharon A. Kortman, EdD is Professor in the College of Education at Arizona State University. She is the Director of Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST), a partnership between university and school districts providing comprehensive support, training, curriculum, courses and resources in the areas of teacher induction, mentoring and preparation for aligning practice to the teaching standards. Dr. Kortman's research emphasis is in the areas of attracting and retaining quality teachers and strengthening effective teaching practices. She also does writing and consultant work in the areas of personality and interaction styles, which along with support to the education profession and personal interactions, positively affects student achievement. She is co-author and co-editor of the BEST Beginning Teacher Experience: Program Facilitator Guide, the BEST Beginning Teacher Experience: A Framework for Professional Development, the BEST Mentoring Experience: Program Facilitator Guide, the BEST Mentoring Experience: A Framework for Professional Development, the BEST Experience Implementation Guide: Induction and Mentoring, the BEST Visitation Coaching Guide, Trade Secrets for Primary and Elementary Teachers, Trade Secrets for Middle and Secondary Teachers, and Ready, Set, Teach.
Christopher Whitbeck, EdD is the K-8 Science Coordinator for the Brookline Massachusetts Public Schools. A Graduate of Boston College and The Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Chris combines an interest in Conceptual Micro-development theory with computer and video technology to create and facilitate online communities of teachers who work on improving teaching practice and student learning. Chris is the former Science Producer for the WGBH children's television show ZOOM, and contributing author to Teacher to Teacher by Eleanor Duckworth. Chris lives in New Hampshire with his wife and son.
Program Brochure (PDF 4.88MB) |