Why+Ohio+is+Building+a+New+System+for+Beginning+Teachers

**Overview**
As teachers enter the profession each year, they embark on a journey that offers both exciting opportunities and numerous challenges. Given the complex nature of teaching, beginning teachers need the expert support of skillful, experienced veteran teachers. Research on beginning teacher induction has demonstrated that comprehensive, multi-year programs strengthen beginning teacher effectiveness and decrease teacher attrition. Comprehensive induction programs include:  Rigorous mentor selection;  High-quality, ongoing mentoring;  Sanctioned time for mentor-beginning teacher interaction;  Ongoing, research-based professional development for mentors and school administrators;  Use of research-based teaching standards; and  Formative assessment that measures beginning teacher growth. Since 2003, beginning teachers in Ohio have been supported through the Ohio Entry Year Teacher Program. Teachers have been provided a year-long structured program of support that includes mentoring, and have been assessed through a comprehensive performance-based assessment (Praxis III). Since 2003, more than 25,000 teachers have successfully completed the Ohio Entry Year Program and transitioned to a five-year professional license. In January 2009, Gov. Ted Strickland introduced a new licensure system for teachers in Ohio. The system includes a Resident Educator License for beginning teachers. Recognizing that these teachers need additional support and training, the four-year teacher residency program will provide Ohio’s newest educators with coaching, mentoring and guidance that is critical to improving their skills and knowledge and student achievement. Ohio has learned much about new teacher induction over the past 10 years that will guide the State Board of Education, Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Board of Regents in effectively developing a framework for the new Resident Educator Program. The Resident Educator License will be issued beginning in January 2011, and the Ohio Resident Educator Program will begin in fall 2011. During the next two years, beginning teachers will participate in a Resident Educator Transition Program. More information about the Resident Educator Program can be found on ODE’s Web site: www.education.ohio.gov, search keywords: resident educator. For questions, contact Resident Educator Staff of ODE at: 614-466-5574.