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District highlights mentor program that retained 82% of novice teachers
Summary
Kirsten McCracken summarized the BEST mentor grant: induction, stakeholder team and ongoing mentor supports. She said the program retained 82% of novice hires since the 2022–23 school year and is required as part of onboarding for new teachers.
Kirsten McCracken, district coordinator for the BEST (Beginning Educator Support Team) grant, outlined three components of the mentor program: an August induction/new-teacher academy, a stakeholder team to monitor grant requirements, and ongoing mentor supports including monthly round tables, observations and individualized learning-focused conversations.
"Because what we do for our teachers, we do for our students," McCracken said, describing non-evaluative classroom observations, goal-setting, and mentor/mentee work that aims to increase novice-teacher retention. She noted the program is a competitive grant the district applies for annually and that participating mentors receive compensation tied to extra hours.
McCracken told the board the program has retained about 82% of novice teachers hired since the 2022–23 school year. Board members asked about program duration (she said this is her fourth year coordinating) and barriers to retention; McCracken cited lack of local housing and community connection as recurring challenges.
