Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Massachusetts requires that all new teachers receive mentoring. School districts are mandated to assign mentors for a period of one year within the first two weeks of school. District administration selects the mentors, who are required to successfully participate in mentor training, and the pairing process takes place at the building level. Although it is not mandatory that subject matter and grade level match the new teacher, whenever possible, content, grade and location are given priority, with subject matter receiving foremost priority.
Districts are also required to provide release time for both mentors and beginning teachers to "engage in regular classroom observations and other mentoring activities." Mentor compensation is not required, but it is recommended in some form, such as tuition waivers, release time for professional development or a reduced teaching schedule.
Massachusetts recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.