The Illinois State Board of Education partners with the Illinois Education Association (IEA), the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) to provide virtual coaching and mentoring to first-, second-, and third-year public school teachers, clinicians, and early childhood educators. Eligible early childhood educators must be employed by an entity that receives the Early Childhood Block Grant and either hold or be in the process of obtaining a professional educator license.
The program pairs new educators with in-building mentors and virtual instructional coaches to help them navigate the unique challenges of their early years in the profession. Each new educator receives a $500 participation stipend and gains access to a comprehensive library of resources aligned to the Danielson Framework. Veteran teachers may also participate as virtual instructional coaches or 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 instructional area, trained to provide support for beginning educators in instructional practices (including virtual instruction), social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices;
- A trained and certified building mentor whose sole responsibility is to ensure the new educator feels welcomed, supported, and connected in their new school;
- Access to a robust virtual coaching platform, featuring an online library of resources and opportunities to connect with other first-year educators; and
- Support and feedback through one-on-one and small-group virtual coaching sessions.
The teachers unions will also collaborate with institutions of higher education to enhance support for candidates transitioning into the teaching profession. These partnerships may facilitate the provision of virtual coaching to program completers during their first year of teaching, thereby strengthening early career support and promoting improved retention rates.
Additionally, the program supports Visiting International Teachers by connecting them with certified coaches and building mentors, fostering a supportive environment that promotes instructional growth, social-emotional learning, and professional resilience.
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.
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