A Teacher Training Mentor Model in Rural Special Education.

Overview & Synopsis

University training programs and public school systems must address the development of beginning teacher assistance programs which include the use of mentors. This paper describes Project RAISE (Rural America Institute for Special Educators), a masters level program that trains preservice and practicing special education teachers. This project addresses the high attrition rates among beginning special education teachers in rural settings. The project included coursework on rural special education service delivery, practica and field assignments, field-based research projects, and a mentoring model for beginning teachers in rural special education. Five preservice special education teachers and five practicing rural special education teachers were selected through a screening and referral process. The beginning and veteran teachers were paired and team taught in a rural school setting. The program and required coursework were designed to promote the mentor-mentee relationship between the beginning and veteran teachers. Supervision was provided by university project coordinators. Within 1 year, the teachers completed a masters degree in special education and acquired the skills and knowledge relevant to teaching in rural special education. Lists of criteria for selection of teachers, required coursework, and schedule of program activities are included. (25 references) (LP)