FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2005

New funding supports classroom instruction through teacher mentoring
A teacher mentoring program has been given a financial boost that will allow the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to enhance classroom instruction through supports for new teachers. The Board was recently informed that it will receive over $100,000 from the Ministry of Education. The money will be used to:

• Further support a teacher mentoring program;
• Provide opportunities for experiential learning and professional development for new teachers and their mentors; and
• Supply literature and best practices resources to new teachers.

The mentoring program partners beginning teachers with experienced teachers. Through this approach, new teachers, known as mentees, have access to a consistent, effective and ongoing support system while experienced teachers, known as mentors, develop leadership skills.

“Our mentoring program has already enjoyed success and with this new funding we expect it to become even better. As a Board, we encourage opportunities that support classroom instruction. This money will allow the Board to further enhance the activities that are in place for new and experienced teachers which will aid in school improvement planning,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

Some goals of the mentoring program are to:

• Integrate new teachers into the social system of the school, district and community;
• Reduce the concerns and attempt to overcome the challenges common to new teachers such as classroom management, interaction with parents, diversity in students and instructional issues;
• Enhance a teacher’s ability to deal effectively with diverse groups of individuals, and the different learning styles of students;
• Provide an opportunity to deal with and appreciate different teaching styles and to match teaching styles or strategies to situations; and
• Provide leadership opportunities for experienced teachers.

According to Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer – Staff Policies and Procedures, there are plans for immediate interaction between mentees and mentors. Three half-day professional development sessions are planned between now and April, with a reflective get-together planned for early in May.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,700 students, employing 1,140 teachers and 770 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For information, contact:
• Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board, (613) 921-3203
• Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer – Staff Policies and Procedures, (613) 966-1170, or
1 800 267-4350, ext. 2265