All alternative teacher certification programs provide some type of mentoring for interns. The presence of a trained mentor, usually paid and held accountable, is built into the hands-on learning environment. The mentor and the intern set up the room for the first time, go over details of grade or subject-level building work, and share the start of the new year. In alternative teacher certification programs, however, this aspect is systemically built in. Interns progress through the program in cohorts, providing one another support and encouragement.
Mentors also train in cohorts and help one another learn how to care for novices to the profession.
Mentoring new teachers, when well learned and rewarded, can be one of the most coveted perks in the teaching profession. Throughout the year, several levels of supervisors cooperate to supervise the intern. The mentor supports and does not evaluate. Throughout the novice year, the intern gathers teaching products, test scores, videos, portfolios, and other evidence of teaching competency. Principal observations are key.