SCS/SB 480 - This act requires the department of elementary and secondary education to develop standards for high-quality mentoring for beginning teachers and principals no later than June 30, 2008. Such standards shall be based on principles set forth in the act, including the establishment of a teacher-driven mentoring program in every school district. The act provides examples of quality mentoring programs. The department shall seek input from representatives of various educational groups in developing the standards. The act provides an alternative method for the state board of education to grant a teaching certificate. Such method shall be on the basis of certification by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence for an initial teaching certificate. The applicant must also show the following:
(1) an ability to work with children as demonstrated by sixty contact hours of teaching within the two year period preceding the application; (2) completion of twenty-four contact hours of professional development within two years; (3) completion of two years of a mentoring program; and (4) attainment of a successful performance-based teacher evaluation.
This act is similar to HB 620 (2007).
JIM ERTLE