South Central Service Cooperative provides state-mandated support for all novices in our region based on individual teacher/school needs. The Program Mentoring Specialist works collaboratively with building principals to provide a three-year comprehensive support system to guide novices on their path to becoming effective educators. SCSC provides personalized support to meet the needs of each novice teacher through face-to-face meetings, on-site support, and virtual collaboration. We survey building principals and novice teachers for feedback to improve and personalize our support.

FAQ

Which educators receive support through the SCSC Novice Teacher Mentoring Program?

Teachers in their formative years (1-3) receive support.

Who monitors the South Central Novice Teacher Mentoring Program?

The Office of Educator Effectiveness & Licensure at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Arkansas Department of Education. https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/educator-effectiveness

Who supports novices?

The Program Mentoring Specialist team support for each novice, connects novices with other educators, guides learning on TESS, delivers state-mandated PD, and works in classrooms to strengthen classroom and time management. The novice support team includes:

SCSC Content Specialists - SCSC specialists work with teachers on instruction, assessments, and collecting data.
Building Principals - Principals ensure novices know the appropriate people to talk to about specific topics and procedures in the building and assign novices a veteran 'buddy teacher'.
Buddy Teachers - Buddies encourage novices and answer questions the NT may have.
Other Novices - NTs are encouraged to collaborate with teachers across districts for collaboration, especially when the teacher is in a singleton role.

Why do novices get a team?

The most successful novices have a strong support team. When new teachers have a variety of educators planning, co-teaching, and debriefing with them, they feel encouraged and are more comfortable asking for help. We’re also finding that NTs are less anxious about observations when they have observed and/or co-taught with other educators. One of the main indicators for NTs leaving the profession is a lack of support.

Do all novices receive the same level of support?

No. Support is planned based on each teacher’s needs. Teachers going through alternative certification tend to require more support than teachers who’ve finished a traditional educator prep program.

Who do I contact for information on the SCSC Novice Support program?

Brigitte Haney, Program Mentoring Specialist, brigitte.haney@scscoop.org or 870.836.1617

South Central Service Cooperative

SCSC Recruitment & Retention

South Central Service Cooperative

TEACH ARKANSAS

Welcome to the webpage for novice teachers participating in the

SCSC Mentoring Program.

We support YOU!

SCSC Novice Teacher Mentoring Program Links

Novice Teacher Support at South Central Service Cooperative (FAQ):

Brigitte Haney, Mentoring Program Specialist