Board approves restructured beginning‑teacher support plan; mentors to be school‑based, coordinators to oversee program

The Craven County Board of Education approved a revised beginning‑teacher support plan July 15 that restructures district mentoring and induction. Dr. Dawson presented the plan, which he said was developed to comply with North Carolina State Board of Education policy TCED‑016. The plan replaces a prior structure of five district beginning‑teacher mentors with two district beginning‑teacher coordinators who will supervise induction, support school‑based mentors, coordinate professional development and monitor program effectiveness. Mentors will be school‑based and assigned at each school. Board members asked about funding for mentor stipends and whether federal Title II timing could affect the program. Dr. Dawson said stipends will be paid from Title II funds and described a tiered stipend structure: mentors serving BT‑1 teachers would receive $1,000 per semester; mentors serving BT‑2 teachers $750 per semester; and mentors serving BT‑3 teachers $500 per semester. The board voted to approve the plan and the presenter said he would submit the plan to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for final approval. Ending: The plan will be submitted to DPI for approval; district coordinators will begin duties and school‑based mentors will be assigned ahead of the school year.