Mentor model
Nationwide, about half of all new teachers leave the profession within five years. Research shows mentored teachers stay longer, grow professionally, and improve student outcomes. ASMP’s average teacher retention rate is about 79% — significantly higher than the 68% historical average in many districts we serve.
| 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% |
ASMP’s mentoring model includes:
- Experienced, retired Alaska teachers with mentoring case loads no greater than 15
- Ongoing professional development through eight week-long Mentor Academies over two years
- Formative assessment tools that focus mentoring on teaching standards, Alaska cultural standards, and student learning
Adapting the NTC model for Alaska
ASMP mentors complete the NTC’s Professional Learning Series, held in Alaska four times a year, followed by a second-year program tailored for Alaska schools. Mentors use tools customized for Alaska’s diverse contexts and maintain weekly contact with teachers — virtually, by phone, or in person.
Because of the state’s size and remoteness, mentors travel by plane, skiff, snowmachine, or ATV. When visiting village schools, they often stay overnight to maximize support. From the start, ASMP has centered Alaska-specific culture, community, and education needs in all aspects of its program.