The first years of teaching are exciting, exhilarating, and amazing. At the same time, they can be stressful, scary, and pressure-filled, especially for those who began their teaching career in the middle of a global pandemic. That’s why the Illinois State Board of Education partnered with the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers to pair first-, second-, and third-year teachers and clinicians with mentors in their building and virtual instructional coaches to help guide them through these unique years of teaching. Each new educator receives a $500 participation stipend with access to a comprehensive library of resources aligned to the Danielson Framework. Veteran teachers can also participate as virtual instructional coaches and in-building mentors and earn a monthly stipend.
The Illinois Virtual Instructional Coach and Building Mentor Program offers the following comprehensive supports:
- A virtual instructional coach, certified in the same area of instruction, who is trained to provide support for beginning teachers in instructional practices (including virtual instruction), social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices;
- A trained and certified building mentor whose sole responsibility is to make the new teacher feel welcomed, supported, and connected in their new school;
- Access to a robust virtual coaching platform with an online library of resources and a way to connect to other first year teachers; and
- Support and feedback via one-on-one and small group virtual coaching sessions.
The first step is for the local union president or school or district administrator to complete a short interest survey. A program representative will reach out to schedule a brief informational meeting.
Need more information?
Learn more from the recorded webinar presented by the Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers/Chicago Teachers Union, and the Illinois State Board of Education.
