OPI Special Education Endorsement Project
Mentor's Role and Responsibilities
Because the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project allows successful applicants to fill special education teaching positions while working toward their endorsement, as well as completing their student teaching on-the-job, on-going mentoring is a must. The mentor is responsible for the day-to-day technical assistance with the endorsement candidate. Either a special education teacher or a special education professional within the same district/coop will fill the mentor role.
Mentors need to have the time, expertise, and desire to guide candidates, and will serve as their counsel, support, and resource. The district employing an OPI project candidate will recognize the mentor role as part of that professional's district/coop. responsibilities.
For continuing employment purposes, the candidate will be evaluated according to the policy of the employing school district and appropriate personnel. For student teaching purposes, the candidate will be responsible to college/university faculty supervision from the college they attend. Mentors are not responsible for evaluation of candidate performance.
Mentors have the option of participating in the on-line EDUC 593: Mentor Seminar offered during summer session and in January, or other approved mentor instruction when available. OPI will make payment directly to MSU Billings for the cost of course tuition; required textbooks or other material will be the responsibility of the mentor or school district. A stipend of $500 from OPI will be matched by $500 from the school district at the end of the first year contingent upon completion of the approved mentor preparation and logbook materials.
Individuals must meet the following requirements in order to mentor a candidate:
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Employed in a special education position and/or have a special education background.
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Work within the same district or coop. as the project applicant.
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Commit to the completion of EDUC 593: Mentor Seminar or other approved instruction.
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Agree to the commitment of time necessary to mentor the endorsement candidate.
Log Book Forms - Mentors will be required to submit the following two forms for each candidate they are mentoring. Forms need to be submitted to the project office at the end of November, February, and May.
1. Plan of Contact Sheet
2. Progress Report Form
The forms can be completed on-line and emailed to jburdge@msubillings.edu or downloaded, completed by hand and mailed to:
OPI Special Education Endorsement Project
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT 59101
Contact Record Sheets & Progress Report Forms
(Note: you must have Version 6.0 Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to view and print these forms.
Questions? Send e-mail to Jolene Burdge, Coordinator.
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