Illinois Induction and Mentoring Programs
A Partial List

This is only a partial list of programs in the state of Illinois, though we hope it will become more comprehensive over time. Data collection for this database began in August, 2005 so some program details may be out of date. Please help improve this database by adding or modifying information about your organization's induction or mentoring program. Please contact the Database Administrator with any questions, comments, or suggestions.

Abingdon School District A new district developed induction program which includes mentoring, "paperwork days" for new teachers, and informal "How's it going" sessions.

Addison School District #4 A district developed program in collaboration with school district staff and the teacher's union. A Mentor Committee is responsible for running the induction program which includes 4 required professional development activities and a mentoring component with a monthly activity checklist and reflection journals. Mentors are selected from a pool of applicants by the Mentor Committee.

Albers School District 63 A small district program with 7 new teacher training sessions a year and mentoring. Mentor teachers participate in new teacher training sessions alongside their proteges.

Alsip-Hazlgrn-Oaklwn 126 Primarily a mentoring program with a District Mentor Coordinator who provides training for mentors. Opportunities for teachers to visit other classrooms and buildings within the district. Mentors compensated with sick leave grants.

Altamont Comm 10 A two year induction program in collaboration with Eastern Illinois University. New teachers and mentors receive stipends for participation, mentors are matched to their proteges through an interview process, and Eastern Illinois University provides mentors with training.

Alton Comm Unit 11 A two year induction program providing 4 specific professional development sessions throughout the year. Mentors are selected utilizing a set of criteria and receive a variety of training. ISAT data is analyzed as a means of assessing the impact of the induction program.

Aptakisic-Tripp #102 Primarily a mentoring program where mentors are selected from a pool of applicants. Each new teacher is assigned an instructional mentor. In addition, each building has building level mentors who are the "go to" people for specific building level operations/procedures expertise

Argo Comm #217 A 3 year professional development program with 1st year professional development focusing on effective instructional strategies, year two focusing on TESA training, and year 3 focusing on Critical Thinking.

Associated Colleges of Illinois Center for Success in High-Needs Schools A one year induction program targeting new teachers in high needs schools, particularly those in alternative certification programs. Four New Teacher Academy workshops offered throughout the year and online mentoring provided.

Atwood Hammond CUSD 39 A one year induction program requiring new teachers to attend one professional development activity offered outside the district each semester. New teachers are assigned mentors who help reflect upon the novice's journalling activities in addition to opportunities for both the mentor and the novice to observe each other in the classroom.

Aurora West Dist 129 A two year induction program with specific content covered through professional development activities throughout the year. Mentors are assigned through an interview process by building administrators. Mentor training provided to review the district created "Mentor Handbook."

Aviston #21 Primarily a mentoring program for a small school of only 18 teachers. Provides an orientation at the beginning of the year and provides release time visiting others' classrooms and mentor/mentee meetings.

Cary School District #26 A two year induction programincluding both professional development and mentoring components. The second yea focuses on new teacher creation and implementation of an action research project. The program is monitored by a district induction program steering committee made up of teacher representatives, administrators, and a union representative.

Central Community Unit School District 4 Primarily a mentoring program, but new teachers are encouraged to attend professional development sessions of their choice offered outside the district. Mentor training and evaluation is conducted by the Iroquois-Kankakee Regional Office of Education.

Central Stickney School District 110 A two year induction program utilizing "Pathwise." New teachers are assigned mentors and must develop a long-term professional learning plan

Centralia City Schools District 135 An induction program including professional development which utilizes Harry Wong videotapes for discussion with additional sessions provided through Eastern Illinois University's Online Mentoring program. Program is monitored by a district committee made up of building principals, the district's curriculum coordinator, and the President of the teachers' union.

Charleston CUSD 1 A one year induction program in collaboration with Eastern Illinois University. Mentors work with new teachers to cover best practices.

Chicago Public Schools Human Resources Rm.215 A two year induction program where new teachers select courses of interest from a list of new teacher professional development course options during their first year. During the second year, new teachers choose a goal to work on based on the Illinois Teaching Standards. Mentor teachers are selected from a pool of applicants. Retired teachers can also apply to be mentors, and they go through an interview process for approval.

Columbia The CUSD 4 2-year mentoring and induction program aims to improve instructional practice of new teachers based on self-valuation using the IPTS and the ICTD. Mentors are trained to guide new teachers to reflect on practice and self-evaluate through the ICE 21 model. 3 observation cycles, two opportunities for analysis of student work, 4 professional development workshops, and 8 reflective journals during the 2-year period are required in the program.

Community High School District 155 A one year induction program providing 10 professional development sessions through the year and trained mentors for each new teacher. Mentors are chosen from those who have been training in Cognitive Coaching.

Community High School District 94 A one year induction program providing monthly professional development sessions with topics based on an initial needs assessment of new teachers. Mentors are trained in Cognitive Coaching.

Consortium for Educational Change (CEC) In partnership with National Louis University, CEC offers mentor training and "Training of trainers." Trianing is based on Charlotte Danielson's materials.

Crystal Lake District 47 Primarily a mentoring program. Each month, mentors and proteges select a standard from the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards to focus on. Mentors receive training in years 1-3 then updates and information provided through a mentor listserv.

CUSD 300--Carpentersville A one year induction program based upon the Charlotte Danielson framework for effective teaching. All new teachers attend a 5 day academy prior to the start of the year. Training parallels the district's teacher evaluation system. The program is a joint effort between the district and the teachers' union.

Danville CCSD 118 A one year induction program with 5 professional development sessions offered (required participation for the first 2 sessions and then encouraged participation for the others). Retirees are trained and utilized as mentors.

Deerfield District 109 A one year induction program providing 3 days of inservice prior to the school year and 5 sessions during the school year. Mentors are trained and selected using specific criteria.

Dept. of Psych, Roosevelt University An electronic community environment for developing in early childhood student teachers a psychological understanding of children’s behavior and how effectively to use psychological consultation in the classroom

District 45-Dupage County Elementary district providing both mentoring and professional development over two years. New teachers required to participate contractually. Professional development district developed combining Harry Wong's "First Days of School" with content specific training, data driven instruction training, and differentiation of instruction training to name a few.

East Maine Dist 63 Large elementary district providing two year induction program for novice teachers and 1 year for new teachers entering with prior experience. Utilizes Just Ask Publications for professional development and mentor training. Utilizes professional portfolio development and sharing in conjunction with professional development and mentoring.

EIU College of Education and Professional Studies University hosted program serving 80 new teachers annually across 8 school districts. Professional development mostly focuses on lesson planning to address state standards. Mentor duties listed on program's website.

Elgin District #46 Large unit district program serving new teachers over two years. Includes professional development, utilizes Danielson frameworks, includes development of professional growth plans and portfolio development demonstrating teacher practice. Program received the 2001 NEA United Auto Workers Award for Mentoring.

Elmhurst College Graduates of the Elmhurst Early Childhood Special Education program can participate in a problem solving discussion forum (Reflective Practice Teacher Support Group) with varying topics each month. Also available is a network for discussing job sharing and employment opportunities.

Erikson Institute A 1 year, college hosted program supporting teachers new to early childhood education. Includes 11 professional development sessions throughout the year and electronic mentoring in addition to classroom observations.

Golden Apple Foundation Alternative Certification program of Chicago Public Schools teachers (mid-career change and secondary math/science). Mentoring provided by practicing and retired teachers recognized as exemplary.

Governor State U. Two year induction program hosted by GSU in coordination with 5 school districts. Program includes the development of a Professional Development Action Plan and a full day prior to the school year for new teachers to plan collaboratively with their mentors.

Grant Community High School Dist. 124 1-year mentoring program for a high school district requiring mentoring and mentees to meet 8-10 times a year.

Harvey District 152 Collaborative part of Governor State University's Beginning Teacher Program providing 20 professional development activities during the year in addition to formal mentoring with trained mentors.

Hinsdale Township HS Dist 86 Two separate but complementary programs. A 4 year induction curriculum for all new teachers to the district including components from Marzano, Wiggin and McTighe, Kagan, action research and lesson study. Also, one year mentoring program for all novice teachers with mentor coordinators in each building.

Illinois State University Illinois State Faculty and personnel from partner schools formed a committee to promote collaboration of ISU with schools to support ISU graduates and all beginning teachers of partner schools.

Jacksonville Dist 117 A one year induction program including 9 professional development sessions and mentoring. Mentors also attend some of the professional development sessions with their proteges. Mentors meet together as a group throughout the year.

Joliet Central HS #204 A one year professional development program for new teachers in this large high school. 23 professional development sessions held throughout the year, and new teachers are provided with "big bothers/sisters" to assist with the administrative type questions.

Joliet TWP HS #204 Large high school induction program provides 18 professional development sessions during the year covering a wide range of topics including content from Harry Wong and Ruby Payne. Also includes mentoring for new teachers.

Joppa Maple Grove HS District 38 Primarily a mentoring program implemented collaboratively with the Marion IEA office. Utlilizes retirees as well as practicing teachers as mentors.

Keeneyville Elementary District 20 A three year induction program for beginning teachers (2 years for those entering with experience) utilizing ETS Pathwise curriculum for years 1 and 2 and TESA (Teacher Expectations Student Achievement) in year 3. Program also includes mentoring.

Kewanee District 229 District description of how they've utilized their Regional Office's offering of Induction for the 21st Century Educator. Includes 5 professional development activities over the course of a year and mentoring by trained mentors.

Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 A 2-year induction program with mentors trained using materials from the New Teacher Center and focusing in year two on professional learning communities through book study groups.

La Grange District 102 Two year induction program with additional orientation days provided for new math, reading, and special education teachers. Mentors meet with mentees once a week during their first year.

Lake Forest College Professional development with 2-week summer institute and using a Study Group model throughout the rest of the year. Study Groups planned and facilitated by district teachers.

Leepertown District 175 1-year induction program including 6 professional development sessions coving topics such as formative assessment and analysis of student work. Program also includes a mentor component.

Loyola University 3-year support program for Loyola's K-8 education graduates. Includes e-mentoring and 4 professional development sessions throughout the year.

Marion Office--IEA Primarily a mentoring program hosted by an IEA Uniserv office serving multiple Southern Illinois districts. Utilizes professional development plans and portfolios to demonstrate progress during the 1st year of teaching.

McHenry High School District 156 Professional development and mentoring included within this induction program. Professional development over the two years is district developed focusing on best practices, Brain Based Learning, Behavior Management, School Improvement Plans, and a focus on particular curricular areas like reading and math.

McLean County District 5 District developed 2 year, state approved program with both professional development and mentoring components. Feels the 6 hour mentor training has made all the difference.

Meridian District 223 Mentor training provided by the Regional Office of Educations using Induction for the 21st Century Educator materials. Professional development is encouraged in the buildings using Harry Wong's "First Days of School"

Milford School District Program is a collaboration between between a medium sized elementary district and a small high school district utilizing Charlotte Danielson's framework. Participation is voluntary, but 100% participation so far. All new teachers are also required to participate in ROE's program assisting with meeting state requirements for moving to standard certification.

Millburn CC Dist 24 A one year professional development and mentoring program, but the Program Director follows-up during year 2 to monitor progress. Proteges develop independent study programs and are given required reading assignments in addition to monthly meetings with mentors and professional development sessions.

Mokena District 159 A one year induction program including mentoring and professional development components for a large elementary district. Nine professional development sessions are offered throughout the year and content of these is determined by surveying the needs of the novice teachers.

Morton Grove District 70 A two year induction program. Professional development follows a different theme each year and all new teachers also participate in a book discussion group. Multiple veteran teachers also participate, providing a learning community for support.

Mundelein High School A two year induction program with professional development coving a number of topics including differentiated instruction and second language learners. All new teachers receive handbooks with month-by-month checklists of topics for discussion and reflection with their mentors and homework assignments related to the content of discussions.

Naperville District 203 A one year induction program using Charlotte Danielson's Framework as a guide and supplementing with additional professional development in areas such as Learning Communities, Assessment of and for Learning, and Understanding by Design/Design Qualities. New teachers receive an hourly stipend and professional books in addition to CPDU's and release time.

Nashville CC dist 49 A two year mentoring program based on the FISH Philosophy out of Seattle for creating a satisfying work environment.

Nashville High School District 99 A one year induction program with mentors provided with time to observe and meet with new teachers. Professional development includes setting of curricular goals, developing professional plans, and curriculum.

Nauvoo-Colusa CUD 325 Two year induction program including inservice using Harry Wong's "First Days of School" and covering diverse topics such as best practices, bullying, “Love and Logic”, “Power Standards", and "Literature Circles".

New Lenox Dist 122 A two year induction program with 6 professional development sessions a year. Curriculum combines a number of sources and includes topics such as brain based learning, classroom management (Wong), and "extra-balanced literacy" A partnership is the University of St. Francis.

Nippersink District 2 A two year mentoring program with a handbook providing mentor training and checklists of topics for mentors and new teachers to discuss monthly.

North Clay Community Unit Dist 25 A two year professional development program includingmentoring, professional development sessions, book discussions around books such as "Who Moved My Cheese" and "FISH Tales," and the maintaince of a reflective journal.

North Palos District 117 Two year induction program including formal observations from mentors with pre- and post-observation conferences. Veteran teachers help provide the professional development.

North Shore Dist 112 A four year induction program with intensive support in the first two years, including observations and other activities. Each new teacher has 1-2 formal building mentors plus an assigned "buddy."

Northbrook Dist 28 A one year induction program including 3 days of district and building inservice prior to the start of the school year and monthly meetings for the first 6 months. New teachers meet with their mentors weekly.

Northbrook-Glenview District 30 Primarily a mentoring program with professional development and mentoring occurring in a "learning communities" format. Team leaders provide the professional development and are assigned as mentors.

Northeastern Illinois University Dept. of Special Education An electronic mentoring program to support student teachers and beginning teacher alumni in the field of special education. Mentors must be recommended by others and have at least 3 years of experience.

O'Fallon Township HS Dist 203 Two year, state approved induction program providing both professional development and mentoring. Two retired administrators provide prof. dev and conduct mock observations/evaluations for new teachers prior to their formal observations.

Oak Lawn Community HS Dist 229 A one year induction program including 12 professional development sessions and mentoring. Professional development sessions make use of Harry Wong's materials.

Oak Lawn-Hometown School Dist 123 A one year induction program with the option for new teachers to participate for two if they want to use participation for certification purposes. Professional development uses some of Harry Wong and also focuses on district's annual professional development initiative.

Ohio CSD 17 A one year induction program with the option for two. Professional development provided on an individual basis based on needs and the new teacher's professional growth plan. Mentors and mentees meet monthly.

Oswego Dist 308 A two year induction program providing professional development in brain based learning, assessment, and lesson planning. New teachers maintain portfolios, complete reflection pieces, and are videotaped during instruction. These materials are used to gu

Palatine CCSD 15 A two year induction program with the second year modeled after the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification process.

Palos CCSD 118 Mentoring program based on the state mentoring initiative that pairs mentors trained at the South Cook ISC#4 with teachers new to the district to provide support and assist with classroom management and best practice instructional strategies..

Palos Heights District 128 Elementary school district pairs veteran teachers with new teachers to provide mentoring and assist with professional development.

Park Forest Dist 163 Title II-funded mentoring and professional development program using curriculum from First 60 Days of Teaching & Classroom Instruction That Works and pairs veteran and new teachers to assist with assessment, instructional planning, curriculum, and school policies and procedures.

Park Ridge Niles District 64 A 2 year induction program designed and implemented through collaboration between administration and the teachers' union. Focus on differentiation of instruction, as well as transitioning new staff.

Pekin District 108 A four year induction program using the Charlotte Danielson Framework to guide years 1 and 2. During the 3rd and 4th years, new teachers develop year-long study plans. Retirees used to mentor as well as practicing teachers. Completion of 4 years brings additional bump in salary.

Peoria District 150 Mentoring and professional development program based on Harry Wong's First Days of School book and videos combined with other district developed materials that uses mentors trained through ISBE's Mentoring 101 and monitored by a Mid-Illini consultant. Professional development component includes classroom structure, culture, routine, and management; teaching and learning; parent communication; and reading and math training.

Pleasant Plains CUSD 8 A one year mentoring program requiring district developed training of mentors. The program was developed by the district's Advisory Team. Mentors are selected based on a wide variety of criteria.

Pope School District 1 This is a new mentoring program in place for its first year. It's a collaboration between the district's administration and the teachers' union and utilizes materials created by the Marion IEA Office.

Quincy District 172 Comprehensive Mentoring and Induction program. Each new hire to the district is involved in an induction and mentoring program for their 1st two years. The QPS Teacher Mentor Project began as a participant in one of the ten pilot projects in the state o

R O W V A District 208 Very small district that assigns ROE-trained mentors to new teachers to educate them about district policies and make them feel welcome and comfortable.

Rantoul Township High School 193 Professional development program that assigns mentors to new teachers to provide classroom observation and certification going from initial to standard and to prepare new teachers for a positive first experience with RTHS students.

Red Hill District 10 A two year induction program utilizing Lawrence County's Regional Office of Education (ROE 12) for professional development program for new teachers.

Rich Township District 227 A one year mentoring program moving towards a 2 year induction program. Mentors must apply and attend training based on the Charlotte Danielson model.

Ridgeland District 122 A two year mentoring program that's existed for many years, but just beginning the formalization process. Mentors must attend district developed training before becoming a mentor

River Forest District 90 One year program involving new teachers and mentors participating together in professional meetings and training beginning before school and continue through the year. Main focus is on the Fred Jones Model

River Ridge District 210 Two year mentoring program coordinated by 2 practicing teachers. Release time is provided for mentor/new teacher meetings to avoid use of planning time for this purpose.

Rochelle Township High School Dist 212 A one year mentoring program where training is required for teachers to be a part of the mentor pool. Professional development is individualized to assist those new teachers who are struggling in particular areas.

Rochester CUSD 3A Mentoring program which has been in place for 12 years. District has a Mentoring Handbook describing mentor and protï¿½gï¿½ roles/expectations. District curriculum leaders provide monthly meetings to provide professional development to meet new teachers' ne

ROE 32 ROE-based program that provides comprehensive mentor training (6 days). Educational leader training (3 days), and technical support for experienced teachers, as well as after school networking opportunities for mentors/new teachers following topics-of-need workshops.

ROE 35 (La Salle County) Regional Office of Education 35 provides training for mentors through Induction for the 21st Century Educator and provides professional development throughout the year for new teachers in smaller districts in the region.

ROE 40 ROE administered program based on ISBE developed "Induction for the 21st Century" to train mentors and provide new teachers with support, best practice information, and resources.

ROE 47 ROE assists districts in their induction program for teachers new to the district (not just new teachers), providing training and other resources to administrators, mentor teachers, and new teachers. Primary source is Induction for the 21st Centiury Educator.

ROE 49 ROE works with approximately 20, mainly small, districts and two other ROE districts to provide mentor training and professional development for new teachers on the basics of classroom management and organization.

ROE 50 ROE program designed to provide mentors trained through Induction for the 21st Century to select school districts, specifically RESPRO (Regional Service Provider System of Support ) schools, and offer a professional development program using a combination of work by Eric Jensen, Caine & Caine, Robert Sywester, David Sousa and other. The New Teacher Symposium, separate from the mentoring program, focuses on brain research as it relates to instruction and incorporated into the areas of science, technology, comprehensive reading, cooperative learning, and social justice.

ROE 9 ROE program provides ongoing professional development specifically for teachers holding initial certificates, and training for mentors through Induction for the 21st Century. Professional development program is self-developed, with first sessions drawing heavily from "Classroom Management That Works."

Roxana School District A two year induction program utilizing both practicing teachers and retirees as mentors. Four specific professional development sessions during the school year in addition to a 2 day orientation prior to the start of school.

Schaumburg School District 54 New four-year mentoring and professional development program based on Danielson model and district evaluation procedures. Professional development component covering a wide range of issues includes New Teacher Week during the summer and 12 sessions during the school year. Mentoring component begins with 1 to 1 ratio the first year and moves to more independence for the new teacher each year. Funding is through Title II and district monies.

Seneca Grade School A one year induction program for a small, elementary school district which utilizes ROE 35's services for professional development and mentor training.

Seneca Township HS Dist 160 A two year induction program for a small, high school district which utilizes ROE 35's services for professional development and mentor training.

Sesser-Valier School Dist 196 Mentors trained with the handbooks of Laura Lipton, "Mentoring Matters," and the Mentoring Group are paired with new teachers, at their request, to provide support and information.

Shabbona Middle School Primarily a Mentoring program with support and professional development provided by grade level teams. All teams have binders to be used for orientation and curriculum. Each new teacher has two mentors.

SIU-Carbondale Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction SIU-Carbondale, in partnership with several school districts, provides induction for new teachers by using a co-teaching model of newly certified teacher and mentor teaching together in same classroom, allows veteran teachers (mentors) to learn from other mentors and serve as guest speakers in university classes, and gives students the benefit of having 2 certified teachers in the classroom.

Skokie Dist 68 District-developed professional development program providing three days of orientation before school begins and 8 1-hour sessions during the school year. Topics include student assessment, communicating with students and parents, and using technology.

Skokie District 69 A two year induction program which has used Harry Wong's First Days of School video series, but moving to Instruction for All by Paula Rutherford.

Springfield Dist 186 New program, funded by Title II, providing a five-day New Teacher Week before school begins focusing on classroom management, standards/benchmarks, poverty training, technology, and a district overview; and 12 after-school sessions focusing on teacher evaluation process, assessment, parent communication, recertification, instructional resource center, positive classroom environment, technology, and differentiation.

St. Joseph-Ogden High School District 305 A new 1 year program utilizing a checklist to guide mentors and new teachers during their regular meetings. Both mentors and new teachers are released from one supervision period daily as means of compensation and to provide time to meet regularly.

Sterling District 5 Mentoring and professional development program based on Danielson's framework. Mentoring program includes videoconferencing, peer evaluation, readings and activities, and mentors meet with mentees 3 times a week. Professional development focuses on classroom instructional strategies, school policies/procedures, and resources like technology, insurance, curriculum / textbooks.

Streator Elementary District 44 A two year mentoring program utilizing Harry Wong's First Days of School. Works in conjunction with ROE 35 (LaSalle County).

Streator Township High School A state-approved 2-year course of induction and mentoring for new teachers to District 40 that includes organizational policies, instruction, assessment, classroom management, professional development, parent/teacher communication, peer coaching, and personal/professional growth--designed to move a new teacher from initial certification to standard.

Sycamore District 427 A new mentoring program beginning in the 2006-2007 school year with four planned professional development sessions specific to the needs of new teachers.

Troy Dist 30-C District-designed mentoring and professional development program which includes sessions on NCLB, behavior management, lesson planning, ISAT review preps, Spec Ed services procedures and modifications, and PBIS. Administrator-selected mentors observe and meet with new teachers monthly.

UIUC Department of Curriculum and Instruction An alternative teacher preparation program working with CPS, Danville Schools, Decatur Schools, Kankakee Schools, and Meridian School district to train people with undergrad degrees in math or science. Supported by an NSF grant, the program works closely with the Golden Apple Foundation to suppport mentoring for teacher candidates in this program. Mentors are compensated through money or University of Illinois course credit.

United Township HS District 30 District-created semester long mentoring and professional development program for first year teachers that include weekly meetings focusing on topics like effective teaching/classroom strategies, standardized testing, standards aligned curriculum, CRISS training , and district special education and sexual harassment policies. Mentoring teachers use the Improvement of Instruction program.

University of Chicago Urban School Initiative Two-year mentoring and professional development program developed in partnership between Chicago Public School and the University of Chicago and specifically required for new teachers in Area 15 of CPS. Professional development componemt include sessions on such topics as classroom management, balanced literacy, school procedures and expectations, race, class, and cultural issues, and standards-based learning. Non-school-based coaches provide in-class coaching, videotaping, and ementoring.

University of Illinois at Chicago This Title II grant funded induction and mentoring program, implemented in partnership between UIC and the Chicago Public Schools, is designed to retain and recruit teachers to work in urban school environments.The professional development component targets professional development needs identified by beginning teachers working in the i

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