Do you have questions about Get SET Nebraska’s Induction and Mentorship Program for special education teachers?
The following blog may provide answers to those questions, along with some valuable insights from mentors and administrators who participated in our 2022-23 pilot implementation. The four participating schools included Grand Island Public Schools, Axtell Community Schools, DC West Community Schools in Valley and Hemingford Public Schools.
Essential questions: Induction & mentorship program
Who participates?
Mentoring teams require the participation of an:
- Administrator
- Professional-level special education teacher (mentor)
- New special education teacher (mentee)
Get SET Nebraska defines a new special education teacher as a non-tenured teacher within their first three years of service to a district. Administrators who have daily contact with other team members are also encouraged to participate.
What grade levels does Get SET Nebraska support?
The program supports special education teachers who serve students from prekindergarten up to age 21. It has been built with information to support all grades and age levels, including early childhood, elementary, middle school and transition supports.
What is the time commitment?
Participation in the Induction and Mentoring Program is divided into three phases (outlined below). The time commitment may vary for team members depending on their current phase.
Here is what schools can generally expect:
- Phase 1: Six hours prior to the start of the school year (before Sept. 1).
- Phase 2: Two hours at the beginning of September and then one-hour weekly meetings through May 1. Mentees will likely spend one additional hour per month on skill-building activities.
- Phase 3: No more than two hours from May 1 to the end of the school year.
How do we access the materials?
Mentoring teams have convenient access to a series of video presentations and induction and mentoring handbooks on the Get SET Nebraska website.
Are we required to complete all of the activities in the program?
Get SET Nebraska is an evidence-based program focusing on important steps of mentoring and induction. It is recommended that teams complete all activities. However, the program has been built to support all schools across the state, and we recognize the need for flexibility to meet your school’s needs.
Perspectives from the Field
What was the most impactful part of the program?
Mentoring teams shared that the program’s organizational structure and monthly conversations allowed them to increase collaboration and enhance conversations.
Monthly communication maps provide structure and guidance during weekly meetings, which teams said increased information sharing, led to stronger discussions and improved focus in meetings.
Deseree Erpenbach, Grand Island Public Schools mentor teacher, said the program provided collaboration opportunities and challenged her “to be thorough with her mentee.”
She also shared positive feedback on the program’s structure.
“(This) is integral to addressing the retention of SPED teachers and their counterparts, because with the detailed mentor program to assist, it is likely that the lack of communication or miscommunication that occurs across education could be improved,” Erpenbach said. “This helps close the gap of stress and miscommunication that accompanies being a new teacher, particularly in special education.”
Administrators noted that they appreciated the program’s organization, especially because it saved them time.
How has the program impacted mentor teachers?
Participating mentors benefited from the program in different ways, such as having the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with new teachers.
Linda Marshall, Axtell Public Schools mentor teacher, shared that she learned a great deal about herself in the induction and mentoring process.
“Through Get SET Nebraska, I realized how much important information I had gathered over the years. With the program, I was able to deliver the information in an organized method,” Marshall said. “Other districts should consider being part of the Get SET Nebraska program, if you want a well-designed path to lead new and established staff to growth that benefits your district long term.”
What was the most challenging part of piloting the program?
Many teams joined the program’s pilot after the school year had begun and students were in their buildings. When asked about challenges they experienced, some participants shared that while the material was valuable, they felt overwhelmed due to the timing of the program.
Teams recommended that future participants begin Phase 1 of the program prior to the start of the school year, as this would help mentors balance participation with their own caseload requirements.
reserve a spot
Are you interested in joining the Get SET Nebraska Induction and Mentoring Program to positively impact your special education teacher retention? Limited 2023-24 scale-up spots are available. Contact us to reserve your spot today!
Pamela Brezenski, EdD
Project Manager, Get SET Nebraska
pbrezenski@esu13.org
701-578-5704