For districts
Benefits
Why partner with ASMP?
Mentors integrate culture and equity into coaching conversations. Using cultural, teaching, and content standards, mentors facilitate teacher’s’ reflections in making learning relevant for all students by connecting curriculum content knowledge with the students’ culture, life experiences, “funds” of knowledge, community, and interests.
How mentoring supports
teacher success and retention
Our research-based outcomes of ASMP include:
- Student learning
- Teacher retention
- Teacher quality
Mentored teachers not only stay in the profession longer than other teachers, but also they achieve greater professional efficacy over the course of their careers, with greater gains in student achievement.
Messages from mentors
"A mentor’s job is to make himself or herself increasingly unnecessary."
—Cheryl Childers, Mentor
"I am honored to support dedicated educators as they grow their practice making a difference for Alaska's learners."
—Lesa Meath, Mentor
"Just as education is an investment in children, mentoring is an investment in teachers. Our future relies on excellence in both endeavors."
—Donna Levesque, Mentor
"I love the opportunity to improve educational opportunities for students in Alaska through a strong mentor relationship with my teachers."
—Mike Kernin, Mentor
"Mentoring is all about building a trusting relationship with an early career teacher that supports them to deliver the best education they can that Alaska's students deserve".
—Lynn Weckesser, Mentor
"I have truly appreciated working with teachers, reflecting on their professional development, and seeing relationships with children and their communities strengthened. Thank you for the opportunity and support for Alaskan children to thrive."
—Sharon Attla, Mentor
"I have learned a lot this year about effective instructional practices and what it means to be culturally supportive in the classroom from my rich conversations with teachers in rural Alaska. I have benefitted as much as the teachers with whom I work from the mentoring process."
—Lynn Mayberry-Burke, Mentor
"It's an honor to support early career and new to Alaska teachers. Supporting teachers through mentoring leads to teacher retention and increased student learning. Through ongoing guidance and feedback, teachers are able to refine their practice and create an effective learning environment for their students."
—Angela Pirtle, Mentor
"What I love about mentoring is that teachers get down to business reflecting on their practice, examining evidence, considering student needs and dispositions, practicing new strategies, cautiously - often eagerly - stretching their personal and professional boundaries, and sharing their thoughts... and all I have to do is ask questions."
—Beth Hartley, Mentor
"In the beginning, new teachers in Alaska’s remote villages often arrive overwhelmed, but as trust grows and the year unfolds, I witness their confidence, joy in teaching, and deep connections with students blossom. Despite the challenges of isolation and hard work, it brings me joy to see many stay in education, becoming both friends and lasting educators for these beautiful communities."
—Christine Zelinsky, Mentor
"Being a mentor for ASMP means wearing a lot of hats - sometimes literally because it's 40 below and you are crossing your fingers the snow machine will arrive to transport you to the school. But beyond the frostnip and flight delays, it's about building real connections with new teachers and helping them find their footing, with students who light up our world, and with fellow mentors who become your lifeline. It's tough, it's wild, and it's deeply rewarding because sometimes in rural Alaska, relationships are the warmest thing we've got."
—Anna Caldarera, Mentor
Financial Support
Cost-sharing
Alaska school districts participating in the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project (ASMP) have growing opportunities to benefit from cost-sharing initiatives that enhance program sustainability while expanding support for new teachers. Through federally funded programs like the VINE and STARR grants, ASMP is scaling its proven mentoring model to reach more educators across Alaska’s remote and rural communities.
Expectations
Alaska school districts partnering with the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project are expected to actively support the mentoring program and its goals. This includes providing access to new teachers for mentoring, encouraging collaboration between mentors and mentees, and valuing the program's focus on cultural relevance.
ASMP mentors are non-evaluative. Mentors are full-release educators who individualize their support to each teacher’s goals and just-in-time needs. This is embedded professional development at its finest.
- Districts are expected to support the ASMP and its mission of providing first- and second-year teachers with mentoring.
- Districts are asked to ensure that ASMP mentors have access to the necessary resources and time to effectively mentor new teachers.
- Districts should actively promote the program within the school and encourage participation from new teachers.
Districts are expected to collaborate with ASMP on initiatives that increase teacher retention and student achievement, and to communicate ASMP expectations to their staff.
Districts are expected to create an environment where culturally relevant instruction is valued and supported, enabling teachers to effectively connect with students and their communities, ultimately leading to improved student learning and teacher retention.
Districts can recognize and support mentors within their districts, such as by including them in district events or providing them with opportunities for professional development.