Beginning Teacher Support
Initial Licensure Program
The initial licensure program is a three-year period of support and assessment for beginning teachers. The initial license allows the teacher to begin practicing the profession on an independent basis. At the end of the three-year period, the teacher is either granted or denied a continuing license.
Great Beginnings
Montgomery County Schools is committed to supporting beginning teachers with the assistance needed to ensure a successful start in their teaching career. In an effort to do this, Montgomery County Schools has implemented a Beginning Teacher Support Program. This program provides valuable professional development in the areas of classroom management, assessment, student diversity, differentiated instruction, and best teaching practices. Each new teacher is assigned a mentor. This is the most important assistance and support provided to beginning teachers. Generally, mentors will be of the same grade level and/or subject area. Each school also has a lead mentor and an instructional coach to support beginning teachers. An ILT (Initially Licensed Teacher) Coordinator is also available to assist and support new teachers. The ILT Coordinator also serves as a mentor and informally observes and visits new teachers on a regular basis. Beginning teachers and their mentors meet monthly with the ILT Coordinator to discuss questions or concerns and to share pertinent information.
The Role of the Mentor
- Support and encourage new teachers
- Act as a positive role model
- Share with new teachers the expectations of the school and the district
- Assist new teachers with the following: lesson planning, classroom management, discipline, time management, teaching strategies, communicating with parents, etc.
- Promote professional growth
- Conference with new teachers on a regular basis and keep logs of meetings
- Offer assistance with writing PDP (Professional Development Plan)
- Monitor the completion of the ILT Cumulative File
Beginning Teacher Support Resources
Online Forms
For additional information regarding Montgomery County Schools Beginning Teacher Support Program, please contact:
Jordan Hamilton
Beginning Teacher Specialist
910-576-6511