Michigan Department of Education Answers Professional Learning Requirement Questions for the
New Teacher

Q: What are the requirements for the induction of new teachers?

A: Section 1526 includes two major requirements that are to be met during the first three years in the profession: 1) the assignment of a mentor and 2) a structured new teacher induction program that provides 15 days of professional learning during the first three years of employment as a classroom teacher.

Q: What should be the nature of the mentor/novice teacher relationship?

A: The mentor/novice teacher relationship should be collegial in nature and all experiences should be directed toward the development and enhancement of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for teaching and learning. This relationship should be a cooperative arrangement between peers in which new members of the teaching profession are provided ongoing assistance and support.

Q: What is the role of the mentor?

A: The mentor should serve as a critical coach to the new teacher, including observing his or her teaching practice and providing information and access to methods, techniques, and tools for improvement.

The mentor teacher is encouraged to recognize the influence and potential of the role of mentor and seek to fulfill the role in such a way as to provide the very best opportunity for professional exchanges with the new teacher, to ensure that both the mentor and the new teacher extend their knowledge of teaching and learning. Mentoring is a two-way interaction and should have a positive impact on the mentor as well as the novice teacher.

Q: What types of professional learning are appropriate for the induction period?

A: Professional learning appropriate for the induction period should focus on the novice teacher’s Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP). An IPDP is a plan of relevant professional learning experiences tailored to the needs and assignment of the specific teacher. The law directs this professional learning to address issues of instructional delivery and classroom management.

Section 1526 is intended to enhance the new teacher’s induction into a school community and move the beginning teacher from the student role to the professional colleague role. Under Section 1526, experiences that contribute to this purpose are considered appropriate professional learning experiences.

Source: Questions and Answers About Professional Learning, New Teacher Induction and Mentoring, and Continuing Education Requirements for School Administrators, Michigan Department of Education, February 10, 2006. The complete document can be downloaded at www.michigan.gov/documents/Q&A_Revised_Sept_2004_A_100964_7.doc.