Mapleton Public Schools Adams County School District No.1 591 E. 80th Avenue, Denver, CO 80229 Phone: 303-853-1000 Fax: 303-853-1086

Mentor coaches key to drive new teacher growth

After just a few months, the district's new mentor coaches have outlined agreements around job descriptions, evaluation guidelines and professional development that will help clarify and guide the new coaches' work giving focused, individualized support for new teachers in all Mapleton Schools.

Mapleton created this new role in the district for the 2001-2002 school year to provide new teachers sustained support as they establish their standards-based strategies for work in the classroom.

The coaches worked with Learning Services to develop a clear understanding of the needs the coaches fill, ways to define success in their work, and how to continue improving their own skills as expert educators.

The agreements highlight four areas in which the coaches spend the majority of their time: instructional planning and preparation, classroom environment, instructional practices and professional responsibilities.

"Setting professional development requirements helps keep the coaches informed on current best practice, and helps them gain knowledge of K-12 instruction beyond their own content area and grade level of expertise," said professional development director Jackie Kapushion.

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