Mentor Model Overview

The Alaska Statewide Mentor Project  is built upon the nationally recognized model developed at the New Teacher Center (NTC). This research-based program has been shown to develop reflective teachers who are responsive to the diverse cultural backgrounds of all students.

Many studies have shown that there is a problem with teacher turnover brought about because of a "revolving door" of teachers. About half of new teachers in the U.S. leave the profession within their first five years. Additional research shows that mentored teachers not only stay in the profession longer than other teachers, but they achieve greater professional efficacy over the course of their careers, with greater gains in student achievement.

Overall, the average retention rate of ASMP teachers fluctuates around 79%, based on the number of first- and second-year, rural and urban teachers. Those who remain at the same school comprise the largest group each year, with far fewer moving between schools or moving to new districts, as shown in the following table. Prior to the implementation of ASMP, the historical retention rate for new teachers in the districts we serve most averaged about 68% over five years.

Retention Rates
2004
2005
 2005
2006
 2006
2007  
 2007
2008  
 2008
2009  
 2009
2010  
 2010
2011  
 2011
2012  
 2012
2013  
 2013
2014  
 2014
2015  
 2015
2016  
 2016
2017  
 2017
2018
2018
2019
2019
2020
2020
2021
2021
2022
  Overall 79% 78% 77% 81% 79% 87% 82% 74% 81% 81% 84% 82% 86% 75% 74.5% 81.8% 82.1% 78.2%
  Same  school 71% 71% 66% 72% 69% 73% 75% 66% 69% 70% 73% 69% 75% 65% 68.5% 70.8% 69.9% 63.0%
  Same  district  7%  --- 5% 5% 7% 6% 3% 3% 7% 7% 4% 6% 3% 4% 2.7% 3.6%

5.7%

4.2%
  New  district  1% 7% 6% 4% 3% 8% 4% 5% 5% 5% 4% 6% 8% 6% 5.4% 7.3%

6.5%

10.9%
  Rural  --- 74% 72% 78% 77% 86% 78% 74% 79% 77% 76% 82% 86% 75% 74.5% 78.0% 82.1% 78.2%
  Urban  --- 92% 93% 91% 86% 89% 92% 80% 88% 90% 92% --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
  Year 1  --- 76% 96% 84% 83% 90% 84% 77% 84% 82% 85% 78% 88% 80% 73.8% 84.4% 83.3% 62.7%
  Year 2 --- 81% 69% 77% 75% 85% 79% 71% 75% 81% 84% 84% 81% --- 75.4% 74.1% 81.0%

63.9%

 *final data collection in progress, 84% response rate

The ASMP mentoring model includes:

    • Exemplary retired teachers who mentor first and second-year early career teachers (ECT). (Each mentor works with approximately 15 early career teachers)
    • On-going professional development for mentors, through eight, week-long Mentor Academies over a two-year period.
    • Formative assessment tools to guide mentoring activities and keep ECTs focused on teaching standards and student learning.

There are two keys to the NTC Model. See the New Teacher Center website to learn more about the Mentor Professional Development and the Formative Assessment System.