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 are required to attend the Montana Mentor Institute held each summer in cooperation with the OPI & MEA-MFT.  The project will cover the costs of travel, food, lodging and registration fees.  Tuition for renewal units and any required textbooks or other material will be the responsibility of the mentor or the 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:

• Employed in a special education position and/or have a special education background.

• Work within the same district or coop. as the project applicant.

• Commit to the completion of mentor instruction.

• Agree to the commitment of time necessary to mentor the endorsement candidate.