Comprehensive induction for novice educators is an issue of equity for their students. The ways administrators and colleagues lead new teachers into their districts, schools, and classrooms profoundly affect the learning of students in those beginning teachers’ classrooms. When we set up our novice teachers for success, we set up their students for success.
The BEST Program provides sustained and purposeful support to educators in the beginning of their careers. To promote this, we provide information, professional development, and resources for comprehensive induction programs for novice teachers. Our goals are to:
Reduce educator turnover.
Improve educator quality for student learning.
Ensure equity of learning opportunity for all students.
Professional Learning Opportunities
BEST Mentor Training
Mentors are supported through Mentor Academies and monthly roundtables. These are offered virtually to support Mentors. Find the current offerings on OSPI's website.
http://www.k12.wa.us/BEST/
In 2025, the following extended learning opportunities will be held in person.
Mentor Academy 201, March 6 & 7
Observation and Feedback, May 1
NEW! BEST Mentor-Mentee Connections
Mentors and Mentees are invited to join our new Mentor-Mentee Connections series. This 4 part series will provide mentors and mentees with shared learning opportunities, an understanding of how to make the most of the mentor-mentee relationship, and an opportunity to connect with others in their role. Sessions will be held from 3:30 - 5:00 via Zoom on 10/15/24, 12/5/24, 3/4/25 and 5/6/25. Registration link coming soon!
BEST Induction Coordinator Meetings
Leads from districts within our consortium gather several times annually to share strategies and best practices for
creating successful induction programs.
All Induction Coordinator Meetings are held from 9:00 - 12:00 at NEWESD 101
October 29, 2024, February 25, 2025 and April 28, 2025
Induction Standards... Here is a link to the standards CLICK HERE
Definitions of participants...
First-Year Teacher: A new teacher with 179 days or fewer in a continuous, certificated teaching assignment in public or private schools anywhere in the United States. Teachers who have more than 179 days of substitute teacher experience are eligible for funding as a first-year teacher provided that this experience did not include a single continuous assignment as a certificated teacher for more than 179 days.
Second-Year Teacher: An individual with 180 days to 359 days of experience in a continuous, certificated teaching assignment as a certificated teacher in public or private schools anywhere in the United States.
NEWESD 101 BEST Grant participating districts...
Central Valley, Chewelah, Colfax, Colton, Columbia, Colville, Creston, Davenport, East Valley, Endicott, Freeman, Inchelium, LaCrosse, Liberty, Mary Walker, Medical Lake, Nine Mile Falls, Northport, Oakesdale, Odessa, Pullman, Reardan-Edwall, Republic, Riverside, Rosalia, Selkirk, St. John, Tekoa, Valley, Wellpinit, West Valley. Wilbur
Mentor Tracking Sheet...
Use these documents to record the work happening between mentor and mentee.
Mentor Tracking Sheet for First Year Teachers
Mentor Tracking Sheet for Second Year Teachers
For more information about the NEWESD 101 BEST Consortium, please contact: