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Lansing unveils mentoring program for first-year teachers to boost retention
Summary
District presenters outlined a monthly mentorship program for first-year certified staff, citing an estimated turnover cost of about $11,600 per hire and reporting 19 participants (17 teachers, 2 counselors). The program supplements state-mandated Greenbush mentoring with local supports.
District staff presented a mentorship program designed to support first-year certified teachers, with the stated goals of improving retention, strengthening recruitment and limiting disruption to student learning.
Presenters said the district-wide program meets locally tailored needs in addition to the state-required Greenbush mentoring. "This for me ... is supporting our first year certified staff," a program presenter said, describing monthly one-hour meetings at the District Office that mix peer discussion, targeted topics and after-action reviews. Presenters cited an estimated turnover cost per lost hire of about $11,600, which they used to justify the investment in retention supports.
The program currently serves 19 participants (17 teachers and two counselors). Building principals select classroom-level mentors to meet state requirements; the district-level meetings provide cross-building networking, problem-solving and access to district resources. Staff said success is measured through participation and feedback forms, with plans to expand meeting time and add individual check-ins in January.
Board members thanked presenters and asked about mentor selection and measurement of outcomes; presenters said principals handle mentor selection and the program uses qualitative feedback and participation metrics rather than a single numeric success indicator.
Board accepted the presentation; no formal vote was required.
