R277-308. New Induction and Mentoring

R277.  Education, Administration.

R277-308.  New Induction and Mentoring.

R277-308-1.  Authority and Purpose.

          (1)  This rule is authorized by:

          (a)  Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

          (b)  Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law; and

          (c)  Section 53E-6-201, which gives the Board power to issue licenses.

          (2)  The purpose of this rule is to establish requirements for induction of new educators.

R277-308-2.  Definitions.

          (1)  "LEA" includes, for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

          (2)  "Mentor" means an educator with a professional educator license who is trained to advise, coach, consult, and guide the development of a new educator.

R277-308-3.  LEA Induction Programs.

          (1)  An LEA shall provide an induction program for the LEA's licensed employees if:

          (a)  an educator holds an associate educator license; or

          (b)  an educator holds a professional educator license with less than three years experience.

          (2)  An LEA shall provide an induction program for at least three years for employees with an LEA-specific educator license.

          (3)  An induction program under this rule shall include, at a minimum:

          (a)  a plan for on-going support and development of an educator, which may include reflective goal setting, implementation of action steps, and evaluation of outcomes that lead to refinement in instructional practice;

          (b)  LEA support in meeting the requirements of a professional license for an individual who holds an associate license;

          (c)  mentor observation and feedback for each educator beginning early in the program;

          (d)  principal observation and feedback for each educator as required by Rule R277-533; and

          (e)  assistance in meeting the pedagogical requirements described in Subsection R277-301-5(5).

          (4)  An induction plan under Subsection (1) shall provide a new educator with a trained mentor educator with a professional educator license.

          (5)  A trained mentor educator under Subsection (3) shall assist the educator to meet the Utah Effective Educator Standards established in Rule R277-330.

          (6)  A trained mentor educator may not have responsibility to evaluate a new educator for whom the educator acts as mentor.

          (7)  An LEA and a Utah approved education preparation program may partner in implementing the induction program required by Subsection (1).

          (8)  The Superintendent shall:

          (a)  develop a model induction program, including model competencies for mentors;

          (b)  provide training for mentors based on the competencies developed in accordance with Subsection (8)(a);

          (c)  provide training for principals to oversee and support mentor training; and

          (d)  facilitate the sharing of best practices among LEAs.

KEY:  new educators, mentors, programs

Date of Last Change:  April 9, 2024

Notice of Continuation:  February 5, 2024

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-6-201

Status of Rule

Effective April 9, 2024

Five-year review February 5, 2029

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Oversight Framework

Uncategorized

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Related Utah Law

Public Education Statutes
53E-3-501

Title 53E, Chapter 6, Educator Licensing and Professional Practices Act, specifically 53E-6-201

Other Statutes
None

USBE Administrative Rules
R277-100, Definitions for USBE Rules

R277-301, Educator Licensing

R277-330, Utah Effective Educator Standards

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Related Federal Law

None

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Resources

None

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Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Katie Jones
katie.jones@schools.utah.gov
Teaching and Learning, Quality Instruction

Secondary Contact:
Katie Hill
katie.hill@schools.utah.gov
Teaching and Learning, Quality Instruction

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This page was last updated on May 23, 2024.

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NOTE: The information on this webpage is provided as a service to users and the Utah State Board of Education is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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