Induction Mentors

Mentors are a key support in the development and retention of beginning teachers (i.e. Induction Candidates).  Every Induction Candidate will be matched with a Mentor within thirty days of the Candidate’s program enrollment (which, in most cases, is the date of attending an orientation to the program). Mentor matches are made with attention to credential type, grade level/subject area, and context. View the 2025-2026 Mentor Seminar Schedule.

What Mentors Provide

Individual Coaching

Mentors provide regular contact with a Candidate that includes:  “just-in-time” coaching, observing instruction, collaboration with analyzing student work, and support with setting goals, lesson planning, obtaining resources and identifying other professional supports at the site or district. The mentor also encourages and assists candidates to connect with and become part of the larger professional learning community within the profession.

Confidential Relationships

SMCOE Teacher Induction Mentors do not share information with department chairs or site administrators in order to maintain a professional confidential relationship, separate from evaluation processes.

Guidance

SMCOE Mentors support each candidate’s consistent practice of reflection on the effectiveness of instruction, analysis of student data, and the use of these data to further inform the repeated cycle of planning and instruction.

Criteria for Mentor Selection

Mentors are selected and hired for the position based on the following:

• Candidates areas of need
• Successful review of EdJoin Mentor application and interview
• Have a minimum of five years of successful teaching experience and hold a valid clear California teaching credential.
• Demonstrate successful professional practices
• Meet the commitments and requirements outlined below:

Mentor Responsibilities

• Build a confidential, trusting relationship with Candidate

• Support Candidate with the navigation of their school community

• Meet with each Candidate a minimum of four hours per month and ensure
  that, on average, they receive no less than one hour of individualized
  support weekly from Mentor or that Mentor has coordinated support
  from colleagues on campus (ie. department/grade level meetings)

• Mentor new teachers with curriculum development, classroom
  management, instructional strategies, and assessment of student
  performance and continual reflection

• Support teachers in the development of the ILP (Individual Learning Plan)

• Co-developed goals are created within the context of the ILP within the
  first 60 days of the teacher’s enrollment in the program

• Communicate regularly with Teacher Induction program staff

• Form a working relationship with site administration, but do not share
  information about Candidate’s teaching practice or work

• Participate in the SMCOE Teacher Induction program evaluation process

• Participate in professional development and collaborate with other San
  Mateo County Teacher Induction Program Mentors

• Mentors are to convey to TI staff if a mentee has been let go, changed
  schools, or are not teaching anymore.

Note: In the SMCOE Teacher Induction program some mentors are hired directly by our partnering schools and districts and some are hired through SMCOE.