The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Office of Teacher Quality trains teachers in the Pathwise mentoring model to become mentors for Novice Teacher Induction. Training and materials may be provided to all Arkansas teachers who have a standard license and at least three (3) years of classroom teaching experience. However, funding for mentors and novice teachers in the Induction program is only available to individuals employed in Arkansas public schools.
The Pathwise mentoring model is designed to prepare novice teachers for the Praxis III performance assessment. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) discourages novice teachers’ employment in teaching environments that do not fit the Pathwise model (demonstration of the four (4) Domains). Schools where the Pathwise model cannot be followed should not hire teachers with a Provisional or Initial license. Novice teachers who have not been properly mentored by a trained Pathwise-certified mentor will not have a high probability of success on the Praxis III assessment.
Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Rules state that “Non-public school or non-cooperative-based ABC programs may not hire teachers with a Provisional or Initial license.” (ABC rule 11.1).
There are no waivers or exemptions to this provision.
Questions may be addressed to Ms. Susanne Williams, Teacher Induction Program Advisor, at 501-683-4382 or Susanne.williams@arkansas.gov .