Program History

KEEPS, a Mentoring and Induction Program, was developed for Mansfield ISD for the 2002-2003 school year. It is a program for teachers...by teachers. KEEPS stands for Knowledge-based Encounters Ensuring Professional Success and serves MISD as both a recruiting ad retention tool. The program has been instrumental in providing a comprehensive support system for novice teachers commensurate with their level of need.

Program Design

Mission

The MISD Induction/Mentoring Program is uniquely designed to provide the support and mentoring necessary for the growth and development of teachers. It is the goal of MISD to attract, support and retain the very best educators. The KEEPS Program will provide ongoing knowledge-based encounters that will saturate incoming teachers with a network of support to foster personal and professional success.

Goals
  • To provide a network of professional resources for incoming teachers to access information and receive training and mentoring
  • To provide ongoing knowledge-based encounters between incoming teachers and mentors to improve teacher performance
  • To ensure a rewarding and successful first year teaching experience in order to retain quality educators in the profession
  • To ensure that the needs of all students are being met

Program Components

  • Central Office Director/Program Developer
  • Campus or Cluster KEEPS Program Advisor
  • 1 to 1 Mentor-Mentee relationship
  • District welcome and program orientation
  • Professional growth resources/texts
  • Release time for collaboration/observation
  • New teacher networking opportunities
  • District-level workshops and conferences
  • Needs assessments and program evaluations
  • Mutual support and professional growth of mentor and mentee
  • Mid-year and year-end appreciation events
  • Program trinkets and teacher resources

Mentoring Support
  • Content or grade level mentor assignments
  • Information shared regarding campus/district procedures
  • Assistance with resource acquisition
  • Strategies provided for classroom management and organization
  • Guidance and ideas for effective student/parent communication
  • Best practices shared for lesson planning, instruction and assessment
  • Collaboration and peer networking
  • Tips for navigating "campus hidden rules"
  • Social/Emotional support


KEEPS*PEEPS Roles and Responsibilities
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