BY SETH MENSING | University Communications Manager
As school districts around the state and the nation struggle to recruit and retain teachers, Western Colorado University is being recognized for a program designed to train veteran educators to mentor those new to the profession. The results hold good news for teacher retention.
The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) awarded Western a $126,389 grant to support its Mentor Teacher Certificate program and provide scholarships and stipends to the veteran teachers being trained to mentor new educators. Combined with additional support from Western, the funding will provide over $210,000
Launched four years ago, the 12-credit online course was designed to address the pressing need for increased support within the teaching profession, particularly in response to the widespread educator shortages. According to a 2022-23 survey by the Colorado Department of Education, 64% of teachers in Colorado report seeing the worst staffing shortage of their careers, while 58% contemplate leaving the profession.
Mentorship provides a proven support structure for new teachers so they can successfully navigate the complex demands of today’s classrooms. At the same time, this relationship has been shown to be equally beneficial for the mentors by helping to develop leadership skills and deepening their connection to the teaching community.
“One of the things that we noticed right away is that these veteran teachers are finding a lot of restoration and rejuvenation in their careers through the program. So the people who have completed the certificate are staying in their positions,” said Mandi Leigh, Education Lecturer and Clinical Coach in Western’s Education Department, who oversees the program. “As a result, districts and school leaders love this program.”
The 12 credits earned through the program can be applied to a graduate degree for up to four years after completion of the course.
“Good teachers aren’t necessarily good mentors,” said Leigh. “Our program focuses heavily on reflection, so mentors learn to make their experience accessible to new teachers. We’re celebrating what they know because these are people who have been teaching for 25 years, which is a really long time. So they know a lot.”
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