Induction Programs

By July 1999, all school districts in Colorado must develop an induction program for teachers and special services providers who hold the Provisional License. The induction program is intended to provide a Provisional License holder with a mentor whose experience and expertise complement the specialty of the new educator. The mentor is to be a teacher, coach, advocate, supporter, and nurturer of the new teacher.

Districts can develop their own induction programs or they can form a consortium of districts to do so. All induction programs must be fully operational and approved by the State Board of Education by July 1, 1999. Districts will have had five years in which to develop their induction programs.

In addition to providing Provisional License holders with a mentor, the induction program should:

• help the new educator build a foundation for the continued study of teaching;
• encourage collaborative relationships among administrators and teachers, as well as between districts and university teacher preparation programs;
• provide an orientation for new teachers to the culture of the school system;
• provide opportunities for professional growth and ongoing professional development for both new educators and their mentors.

Districts are required to provide training for administrators and mentors; establish standards for the selection, training, and release of mentors and matching them with new educators; determine by policy if mentors are to be involved in the performance evaluation of new educators; establish an assessment model to guide the induction program; and provide professional support to new educators through information about school/district policies, goals, and standards, as well as substantive feedback about one's performance as a new educator.

Districts may provide release time and/or compensation for mentors and provide sufficient planning time for the new educators. Districts must have induction programs for both teachers and special services providers, as well as for administrators and principals.

Three-tier Licensing System
Professional License Renewal
Standards for Professional Educators