Download: Complete Bulletin. (146k pdf)

The New York State Mentor Teacher-Internship Program (MTIP) was established in 1986 with the enactment of Section 3033 of Education Law. It is designed to provide peer guidance and assistance to teachers in their first or second year of full-time public school employment. Due to NYSUT's lobbying efforts, the program was funded throughout the late 80's, reaching a high of $16.5 million in 1990-91. No funding was provided from 1991 to 1994. In 1994 the state budget included $4 million for the program. Some 84 districts submitted applications; however, the funds were never released by the Division of Budget, so no programs were funded by the state. No funding was provided from 1995 to 1997. In 1997 $10 million was provided. Again, no funding in 1998, 1999, or 2000. The state budget included $5 million for school years 2000-02, $6 million for the 2002-03 school year, and $4 million for the 2003-04 school year. Funding for the program remained level at $6 million from 2004-07, until funding was increased to $10 million in 2007-08 resulting in MTIP grants being awarded to eight-seven districts and BOCES.

The Board of Regents adopted regulations to govern district-based mentoring programs to meet the September 2004 implementation date for the requiring districts to provide initial certificate holders with a one year mentored experience.

Following are highlights of the New York State Mentor Teacher-Internship Program guidelines.

• The intern must be released from classroom instruction no less than 10 percent of the time. The previous requirement was 20 percent. Interns may now be served in their second year of their employment if not served in the first year. Previously funds could only support first-year teachers.

• In order for a district to apply, a plan must be prepared consistent with the Taylor Law, i.e.; it must be negotiated between the teachers' union and the district.

• A local committee, the majority of whom are chosen by the local teachers' union, must select eligible mentors.

• Eligible interns are those who are full-time teachers in their first or second year of service in a particular certification area, holding a provisional certificate, a temporary license, or a New York City temporary per diem certificate.

• The Regents adopted amended certification regulations that require a mentored internship for the professional certificate beginning in 2004.

• No Child Left Behind – Under the No Child Left Behind Act SEC. 1116, (b), (3), (x), any school receiving Title I funds found to be in need of improvement shall develop a school improvement plan that incorporates a teacher mentor program (see attached SEC. 9101, (42) for definition of teacher mentoring). Funds from Title I and Title II may be used to support a teacher mentor program.

Attachments:

a.) Section 3033 of Education Law The New York State Mentor Teacher-Internship Program

b.) Part 85 of Commissioner's Regulations governing the NYS Mentor Teacher-Internship Program

c.) Excerpts from Grant Application

d.) SED Draft Guidelines for Implementing District-based Teacher Mentoring Programs

e.) SEC. 9101, (42) Teacher Mentoring

Download: Complete Bulletin. (146k pdf)

Update February 2008