MRTP Mentor Information

MRTP Mentor Information

The Montana Rural Teacher Project is addressing teacher shortages in Montana’s rural K-12 classrooms by recruiting and preparing highly qualified and motivated teachers from within or near rural communities. They receive stipend support while completing MSU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program (30 to 36 hours of online coursework, field experience, and student teaching in 12 to 16 months). MRTP graduates then apply for Montana licensure and seek teaching positions in eligible rural districts.

In exchange for this support, MRTP graduates commit to a minimum of three years of teaching in rural Montana schools. During the first two years they are provided with continuing education and participate in a vibrant professional learning community that includes one-on-one mentoring from an experienced educator. That mentor could be you!

MRTP graduates must simultaneously negotiate the complexities of teaching, the culture of a school system, and the process of integrating into a rural community. MRTP mentors assist by providing content-focused expertise and promoting best practices. Mentors draw from their knowledge and experience to offer encouragement and empathy, or an objective perspective, within a trustworthy relationship. Mentoring is an investment in success, so our graduates not only survive but thrive!

What are the benefits of MRTP mentorship?

Earn $500 for training plus $2000 for each year of mentoring Gain leadership/mentoring skills (with OPI renewal units) Inspire and support a new teacher with your expertise Build new networks to counter professional isolation Contribute to retaining Montana’s teaching force Stimulate and strengthen your own practice

What is expected of an MRTP mentor?

1. Mentors complete training via OPI’s Teacher Learning Hub
   1. Navigate MRTP’s online mentoring environment
   2. Develop mentoring and communication skills
   3. Learn to useMRTP reporting and resources

2.  Mentors build personal, supportive relationships with mentees

   1. Maintain consistent contact viavirtual meetings, phone, email, and other means
   2. Help mentees discover and take advantage of existing networks and resources
   3. Monitor mentee well-being; submit biweekly updates and report concerns
3. Mentors participate in MRTP’s online mentoring/induction program
   1. Contribute to an ongoing mentor-mentee virtual community
   2. Complete two “Partners in Practice” activities each semester
   3. Participate with mentees in professional learning (optional)

How are MRTP mentors compensated?

Mentors are hired on contract and responsible for all applicable taxes.

Mentors will be paid via invoicing after each semester.

Who is the ideal MRTP mentor?

• MRTP mentors are active or eligible retired Montana K-12 teachers with:
  • a minimum of three years full-time classroom teaching experience
  • demonstrated expertise in content and pedagogy within a grade band
  • experience with and empathy toward rural education issues and concerns
• MRTP mentors are qualified to help their mentees:
  • implement research-supported instructional practices
  • deepen grade-level and subject-area content knowledge
  • incorporate strategies that promote equitable learning
  • navigate the complexities of teaching and school culture

Preferred expertise also includes managing the learning environment, engaging with parents and the community, meeting Indian Education for All goals, and integrating social-emotional teaching strategies.

• MRTP will accept 16 to 20 mentors for training in June 2021. Those not selected this year may be considered for future cohorts.
• Selection criteria include subject-area and grade-band compatibility, geographic location, teaching experience/context, and application responses.
• Mentor-mentee pairing may be delayed until the MRTP graduate secures a teaching contract in an eligible rural school.
• The partnership between mentor and mentee extends over two academic years.
  
  

  Ready to apply? Link to the application survey here: https://tinyurl.com/MRTPMentorApp

 Questions? Contact Jennifer Luebeck, Montana State University

Email [email protected] or call (406) 994-5341

MRTP program information: https://www.montana.edu/education/grad/mat/tqp.html

The Montana Rural Teacher Project is funded as a U.S. Department of Education Teacher Quality Partnership.