Mentor Program for Teachers

The Mentor Program pairs all Level 1 teachers (new to the profession and within the district) an approved-program Mentor Teacher based on a combination of location, content, and grade level for one year.

The Mentor Program: An APS/ATF Partnership

The Mentor Program provides qualified, program-approved Mentor Teachers to all Level 1, Beginning Teachers in the district. It is co-managed in partnership between Albuquerque Public Schools and the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, through the Joint Governance Panel, for an optimal comprehensive approach to support new teachers in the field of education.

Mentor Program Quick Links

• Mentor Program (Intranet)
• PAR (Peer Assistance and Review)

What is Mentorship?

Comprehensive formal mentorship expands beyond traditional ‘buddy system’ induction, to include support and technical assistance that reflects the developmental nature of new, beginning teachers’ initial experiences in the classroom.

A Mentor Teacher provides guidance in lesson planning, instructional strategies, and the use of technology in instruction. Mentor Teachers, are a resource for assessment/data usage, effective procedures, time/organizational management, classroom/behavior management, as well as a support for affective factors.

How does The Mentor Program work?

The Mentor Program pairs all Level 1 teachers (new to the profession and within the district) an approved-program Mentor Teacher based on a combination of location, content, and grade level for one year.

Mentor Teachers and Level 1 teachers are able to schedule their time together as often as needed, however, the program requirements include: weekly minimum contact, needs assessment, SMART goals, and observations along with professional development for the mentor teacher as part of their continued professional growth. 

Who is eligible for Mentorship?

The NM Public Education Department (PED) mandates that all Licensure Level-1 teachers need one year (2 semesters) of formal mentoring by a state-approved program in order to be eligible to apply for Licensure Level 2, in addition to other requirements. Level 2 or Level 3 teachers new to the district, or who are adding a license, are not eligible for Mentorship. Preservice teachers must complete internship and course work before a mentor can be assigned.

What is a qualified Mentor Teacher?

Qualified Mentor Teachers include:

• A teacher colleague/volunteer (must have a student caseload).
• License Level 2 or, preferably, Level 3.
• 3 years' experience in the APS District.
• Approved by The Mentor Program through application, reference, and interview.
• Accepted into the pool of Mentors for assignment, based on availability.

For more information on becoming a Mentor Teacher, please visit our Mentor Program Intranet page.

What is the role of the Joint Governance Panel (JGP)?

The JGP monitors the effectiveness of The Mentor Program based on annual summative data.

• The JGP is the governing body of The Mentor Program consisting of two classroom teachers, two administrators, one representative from Human Resources, one representative from Albuquerque Teachers' Federation, the Mentor Program Coordinator, and the PAR Coordinator.
• The JGP monitors the mentorship work and makes recommendations as applicable, as outlined in the Negotiated Agreement, and subsequent guidelines.

How does Mentorship work with administrators?

Unlike other mentor programs in the country, the APS/ATF Mentor Program is non-evaluative. The documentation requirements are not a component of teacher evaluations, and is intended to be completed in collaboration between the Level 1 teacher and their Mentor Teacher. The reflections and notes of a Mentor Teacher have no bearing on a teacher colleague's performance, review, nor employment eligibility. The Program works together with principals and supervisors, however, only The Mentor Program can officially make formal mentor assignments and verify completion of mentorship.

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