New Teacher Resources

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Mentoring and Induction

The Grant Wood AEA Mentoring and Induction Consortium pools together local and national resources to make certain that every school in the region had access to proven and research-based induction, mentoring and coaching programs. Since 2005, GWAEA’s consortium has supported districts and teachers with this uniquely designed and specially tailored program that has generated impressive results for curtailing teacher attrition in rural districts and supporting teachers who can close the achievement gap for children with special needs.

Research has shown that this approach has produced impressive results for participating districts who joined the GWAEA Mentoring and Induction program. Thirty to forty percent of Iowa teachers leave the state after three years, but Grant Wood AEA consortium members saw a 95 percent retention rate among new teachers thanks in part to this program.

Development, Retention and Support for New Teachers

The Grant Wood Area Education Agency's Induction Consortium Model is designed to provide professional development and support to district mentors and administrators assisting beginning teachers during their first two years in the profession.

New Teacher Retention

Consortiums across the country, including the New Teacher Center Teacher-Mentor model used at Grant Wood AEA, have helped give new teachers the support they need. Research has shown that this approach has produced impressive results for participating districts who joined the GWAEA Mentoring and Induction program. Thirty to forty percent of Iowa teachers leave the state after three years, but Grant Wood AEA consortium members saw a 95 percent retention rate among new teachers thanks in part to this program.

Accelerated Teacher Practice

While this model successfully helped retain teachers, members of the Grant Wood AEA induction consortium have focused on and measured the acceleration of teacher practice and the impact on student learning.

Using a Common Theory of Action

In 2006, GWAEA began partnering with the New Teacher Center, a nationally renown partner for advancing new teacher practice. This partnership uses a common theory of action to help advance new teacher practice.

An evaluation of this model by SRI Education measured successful student outcomes, teacher practice measures, and retention of the program.

Costs, Savings and Funding

Faced with financial challenges, districts often need to weigh the benefits against the costs of participating in a consortium.