The primary purpose of the BCPS/GVSU Mentoring Program is to provide personalized, non-evaluative support to first year teachers in Battle Creek Public Schools. This support provides BCPS Early Career Teachers (ECTs) a partner and support system to face the challenges of being a new educational professional.  

Within the Mentoring Program, teachers are matched with experienced mentors who provide a range of services and supports designed to meet the individualized needs of each teacher. Strong collaboration and communication ensure a personalized approach.

Specifically, each ECT meets with his or her mentor to set initial goals for the year, plan for the launch of the school year, and schedule the first few visits. Mentors visit the teachers’ classrooms over the course of the year.

During the visits, mentors provide a range of services and supports, including but not limited to the following:

Example Classroom Supports:

• Co-teaching
• Model teaching
• Small group instruction for the purposes of learning about students
• One-on-one instruction for the purposes of learning about students
• Rehearsals of instructional and behavioral interventions
• Assistance with class-wide assessments

Example Coaching Supports:

• Observations of teaching with immediate feedback
• Co-planning of lessons
• Rehearsals of instructional and behavioral interventions
• Preparation for professional collaborations
• Brainstorming or suggesting interventions or approaches

Example Planning Supports:

• Identifying needed materials and support
• Reviewing lesson plans
• Co-analyzing student work and assessments

First year early career teachers (ECTs) also participate in a Professional Learning Community, meeting monthly for a total of 6 clock hours over the academic year with their peers and lead GVSU mentors.

To learn more about the BCPS/GVSU Mentoring Program, please contact Liz Winter.