Board approves pre‑educator (EPP) pilot to grow teacher pipeline, with $254,550 cost estimate
Summary
The board approved a pre‑EPP (Ready to Teach) pilot to provide mentored student‑teaching experiences for candidates, including 15 mentor teachers with $1,000 stipends and student‑teacher pay at the substitute rate; administration said professional development funds will cover the roughly $254,550 program cost.
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board approved a pre‑educator preparation pilot to strengthen the district’s teacher pipeline by placing candidates with mentor teachers for guided student‑teaching experience.
Dr. Assai presented the Ready to Teach enhancement: candidates would work with vetted mentor teachers starting in January, participate in co‑planning, model lessons, gradually take over instruction and complete checkout procedures. Fifteen mentor teachers would receive a $1,000 stipend each; student‑teachers would be paid at the district substitute rate. "We are proposing that we give each of the 15 mentor teachers $1,000 stipend," Dr. Assai said. The presentation estimated student‑teacher costs of about $236,250 and a total program cost of approximately $254,550, funded from professional development money.
Board members asked about differences between a paraprofessional/teacher’s aide role and the student‑teaching experience. Dr. Assai clarified that student teachers engage in lesson planning, post‑conference reflection, co‑planning and eventually teach lessons under mentor supervision, which differs from an aide role that assists with behavior and small groups.
A motion to approve the pre‑educator preparation program was made, seconded, and the motion passed. Administration said it would announce mentor‑teacher opportunities to principals and proceed with an application and placement timeline if the program begins in January.
