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This report covers TEA’s HB 3 in 30 video on New Teacher Mentoring, a part of HB 3. The video outlines the importance of teacher mentoring, the mentor program allotment, a timeline & next steps, and mentoring & other HB 3 programs. The video can be found here.

This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics the committee took up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the hearing, but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.

Recommendations for Teacher Mentoring Programs

  • The video outlines the data that shows why mentoring is needed and why mentoring matters.
  • The Texas Teacher Mentoring Advisory Committee was appointed by the Governor and was asked to evaluate current implantations of teacher mentoring and recommendations.
    • This group recommended the state focused on retention of highly qualified teachers through mentor programs.
  • Mentoring statute existed prior to HB 3 which guided districts on how to implement their mentoring programs.

Teacher Mentoring Program Under HB 3

  • HB 3 includes both funding for MPA and requirements to access those funds based on recommendations from the advisory committee.
  • Districts must abide by best practices in TEC §21. 458 to be eligible for the Mentor Program Allotment.
  • District’s applications must include a description of the district’s mentor selection, mentor assignment, mentor training, mentor role & responsibilities, program design & delivery and funding.
  • The video outlines how a mentor teacher is defined.

Implementation Considerations

  • Districts must select mentors who have had at least three years of experience and a track record of success improving student outcomes.
    • To the extent practicable, mentors must be matched to beginning teachers in the same subject, grade level and school.
    • Select mentors who demonstrate effective instructional practices.
    • Mentor teachers must demonstrate strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • For mentor assignment, districts must ensure mentors support a reasonable number of beginning teachers.
    • Ensure mentors are matched to beginning teachers by the 30th day of employment of the beginning teacher.
    • Guarantee beginning teachers are mentored for at least two years.
    • Mentors must agree to serve as such for at least one year.
  • Rules that have yet to be finalized will include the number of beginning teachers will be assigned to a mentor.
  • Districts must ensure mentors complete a research-based mentor and induction training program approved by the commissioner and complete mentor training provided by the district.
    • Districts must also provide training to mentors and other employees that work with or supervise the beginning teacher.
    • Must provide mentor training on best practices in mentoring before and throughout the school year.
    • TEA outlines the programs that fall under the classification of research-based with plans to make a broader list over this coming year.
    • Through the MPA application and review process, a district’s mentor training program could also be considered research-based.
  • Districts must develop a mentoring program that includes lists what the mentoring program must include.
    • Schedule a release time or reduced teaching load for mentor and beginning teachers.
    • Designate time during the school day for mentoring activities.
    • Mentor responsibilities include ensuring mentors and beginning teachers meet for at least 12 hours per semester and to create a time for observation from both parties.

Allowable Uses of Funding

  • Mentor teacher stipends
  • Scheduled release time
  • Mentoring support through training

MPA Funding

  • $3M in annual state funding has been allocated to the MPA.
  • TEA will utilize a priority point system to determine qualifying districts.
  • For each beginning teacher the district employs, it will receive $1,800.
  • The allotment will be capped at $100K per district.
  • Districts may consider other sources of funding such as Title IIA or School Improvement Grants.
  • Funding is calculated annually and districts will apply annually.
  • District size, rural status, and percent economically disadvantaged are priority points in the approval process.
  • Charter schools may apply.

Proposed Compliance and Reporting

  • TEA will provide a mentor and beginning teacher survey to districts.
  • Districts will submit an annual compliance report to indicate they met the requirements of TEC §21.458.

TEA Next Steps

  • Spring 2020- will post proposed rules and respond to public comment
    • Adopt final rules
    • Post applications for MPA
    • Current mentoring rules TAC §153.1011 will be repealed and new rules will be proposed.
  • Summer 2020- review and notify districts
  • Fall 2020- flow MPA funds to districts to be used in the upcoming school year.

Mentoring and Other HB 3 Programs

  • A district that is creating a Local Optional Teacher Designation System (TEC §21.3521) for their Teacher Incentive Allotment (TEC §48.112) could add a mentorship program to their system.
  • Districts interested in the Extended School Year (TEC §48.0051) could free up additional time during the instructional day for teacher mentoring to happen.