Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What do the Mentor Teacher Specialists do?
A: The Mentor Teacher Specialists coordinate
and monitor mentor assignments at each of the district's schools, train
new mentors, and facilitate the mentor and provisional teacher relationship.
They are available for consultation concerning JPAS and USOE's EYE requirements. Their contact information is given on this website.
Q: Who needs to be assigned a mentor and for how long?
A: According to state law, all provisional teachers are required
to have a trained mentor assigned to them. Teachers new to the profession must
have a mentor assigned to them through their first three provisional years.
Teachers with at least three years of previous experience, but new to the district,
are considered provisional for one year and are assigned a mentor for their
first year in the district.
Q: Why does the mentor need to be trained?
A: State law mandates mentor training and its nature is detailed
in USOE's Entry Years
Enhancement program. The rational for this requirement is that mentoring
a provisional teacher is an additional skill beyond the training a person receives
to become a teacher.
Q: What is EYE?
A: Entry
Years Enhancement, EYE, effects all teachers who hold a Level
1 Utah Educator's License who graduated after January 1, 2003, as
well as those who are entering or reentering after January 1, 2003
with a Level 1 Educator License with less than three years of successful
experience. The program requires these teachers to work with a trained
mentor, submit a portfolio at the end of their second year, and
pass the Praxis 2, Principals of Teaching and Learning with a score
of 160 or more to receive Level 2 Licensure. Additional information
on the EYE program can be obtained from Linda Alder, Education Specialist, 801-538-7923.
Q:
Where can I find out more about the Praxis Test?
A: All level one, first year, teachers as part
of the EYE program must pass the Praxis Two, Principles of Learning
and Teaching test (PLT) during their first three years with a minimum score
of 160. Educational Testing
Service, ETS, maintains information about testing locations
and dates, costs, and has online examples of the test as well as
additional resources to help individuals prepare.
Q:
Is the EYE portfolio different than the one I did for my JPAS?
A: Yes and no. Many of the items you provided as documentation
for your JPAS folder can be used in the EYE portfolio as well. The
mentor report forms that are submitted three times during the year
to the Mentor Teacher Specialists can be useful documentation to include
in the EYE portfolio. The Mentor Teacher Specialists have put together
a chart detailing the similarities
and differences between the JPAS and EYE portfolio.
Q: How can I check on my license status?
A: The state maintains CACTUS, a database with
individual teacher credential and work history that is accessible
to registered educators. The best way to register and access CACTUS
is by visiting this link and following the online instructions.
Q:The
report forms have a place to list relicense points. What are
they and do I need to worry about them?
A: Continued professional development is requirement
for all teachers who wish to maintain and upgrade their state teaching
license. Mentoring activities are appropriate professional development
given the state
relicense guidelines.
