Mentors play a critical role in supporting the growth and development of new educators. The following resources and supports are available to support the mentoring and induction of new teachers and administrators.
Mentorship Trainings
The Office of Higher Education and Educator Support Services is pleased to announce that Christina O’Neal, PhD, Educator Excellence Coordinator, will be the new dedicated contact person for mentoring and induction programs. The Maine DOE will be offering annual mentor training regionally.
This training builds upon prior collaborative work with teacher leaders, administrators, and higher education partners—and has been updated with the latest research and best practices in mentoring. Designed with direct input from educators, the training follows a scaffolded approach to provide a more personalized, just-in-time learning experience.
Training Format:
- One-day, in-person session
- Two virtual follow-up sessions (2 hours each, later in the year)
- Contact hours awarded for all training components
- Training is offered at no cost
Additional Benefits:
- Access to a Mentor Community of Practice through EnGiNE for ongoing support, networking, and resource sharing with mentors throughout the state
- Updated materials and resources available for SAUs to use locally with new mentors
Testimonials from 2024-25 training session participants:
This will help me to start a mentorship off on the right foot - thank you!
It is never too late to invest in the success of future teachers! Be proactive and engage others before they leave the system.
As a result of the training, I better understand:
- Different ways to support new educators & to help them feel confident & successful.
- How to ask questions to guide rather than just tell them what to do.
- Building relationships with our mentees is crucial to mentoring.
Upcoming Sessions
Choose the training date & location that works best for you:
All sessions run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Monday, August 11 – York Community College, Wells
- Wednesday, August 13 — Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor
- Tuesday, August 19 — Martin's Point Health Care Community Room, Brunswick
- Thursday, August 21 – Colby College, Waterville
Be the mentor who makes a difference.
Sign up today for the free regional training that fits your schedule! Registration links for each location are embedded above.
Registration will close on July 21. Maximum of 50 participants in each location. A minimum of 12 participants is required in order to run a session.
Customized Resources & Supports
The Maine Department of Education has developed mentor training modules to support districts when training new mentors. Specific mentor requirements can now be found in Rule Chapter 180
Mentor Requirements:
- Hold a Professional license
- Have an effectiveness rating of at least effective
- Districts may establish additional criteria for the selection of mentors and scope of responsibilities
Mentor Responsibilities:
- Complete a minimum of two observations annually
- Provide ongoing support and feedback
Resources
- Maine's Definition of Effective Mentoring
- A Note about Adult Learners
- Sample Next Steps Rubric
- Mentor Modules: Free online resources for new teachers and school leaders. For more information review the Mentor Modules Facilitator's Guide.
Maine SEEDS (Special Educator Engagement, Development, and Support) is a partnership between the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development.
SEEDS offers structured support for new and conditionally certified special educators, works to build special educator mentor capacity, and engages in efforts to support "Grow Your Own" special educator workforce initiatives at the local level.
SEEDS ensures that novice special educators are mentored by veteran special educators, offers a one-semester course in special education process for those with minimal relevant coursework, and coordinates online Community of Practice cohorts for first-year special educators.
The Maine Principal's Association has developed a comprehensive mentorship program for novice principals and assistant principals. The program recently expanded to offer supports to experienced educators in new positions who desire a mentor/coach.
Mentor Responsibilities
- Have weekly contact with the protégé. Monthly in person meetings are required
- Visit the protégé’s school and provide observation feedback
- Assist in the development of a written learning plan
- Submit a reflection regularly
- Attend required trainings and meetings
Resources
Resources for prospective mentors and protégés can be accessed below.
- Protégé application for new administrators
- Great Beginnings Program for new administrators
- Application for experienced people who want to become a mentor to a new administrator
Executive Director Maine Principal's Association
207-622-0217, ext. 126
hblair@mpa.cc
Contact
Christina L. O'Neal, PhD
Educator Excellence Coordinator
Email: Christina.L.ONeal@maine.gov