MISD K.E.E.P.S.
(Knowledge-based Encounters Ensuring Professional Success)

Mission Statement

The MISD Induction/Mentoring Program is uniquely designed to provide the support and mentoring necessary for the growth and development of teachers--both new to the profession and to the district. It is the goal of MISD to attract, support and retain the very best educators. The K.E.E.P.S. Program will provide ongoing knowledge-based encounters that will saturate incoming teachers with a network of support to foster personal and professional success.

MISD recognizes that...
"the teacher is unarguable the single most important factor
in schools that helps students reach high levels of performance."
(Sanders and Reeves, 1998; Gross, 1999)

It is this recognition that serves as the foundation for K.E.E.P.S.

• To provide a network of professional resources for incoming teachers to access information and receive training and mentoring
• To provide ongoing knowledge-based encounters between incoming teachers, mentors and cohorts to enhance teacher performance
• To ensure a rewarding and successful first year teaching experience
• To retain quality educators within the district
• To ensure that the needs of all students are being met

• District Welcome and Campus Orientation
• Trained Campus Advisors, Mentors and Cohorts
• Staff Development and Professional Growth Resources
• New Teacher Seminars
• Built-in Observation and Collaboration Time
• Needs Assessments and Program Evaluations
• Mutual support and professional growth of Mentor, Cohort and Mentee
• Mid year Appreciation Event
• Year end Recognition and Reflection
• Central Office Coordinator/Program Developer

• Campus Advisor
• One to One Mentoring
• Content/Grade Level Pairing
• Information shared regarding campus/district policies and procedures
• Assistance with locating and securing resources and materials
• Tips and strategies shared for classroom management and organization
• Guidance and ideas provided for effective parent communication
• Techniques shared for instructional strategies, lesson planning and student assessment
• Support provided for district technology requirements
• Moral support generated by the listening and sharing of experiences
• Proactive identification and meeting of teacher needs
• Ease of acclimation into the campus culture

New Teacher Seminars

• Effective Classroom Management
• "101 Answers For New Teachers and their Mentors"
• Special Kids in Special Places
• Parents as Partners
• "Stress Less"
• Celebrate Diversity
• Tech Tips
• Winding up the year
• Reflections and Recognitions

Campus Advisor Duties

• Assist in selection of campus mentors
• Serve as a liaison between the Principal, Mentor and District Coordinator
• Select and Coordinate the New Teacher Seminars on campus
• Provide direction and follow-up for Mentor duties
• Serve as another advocate of support for incoming teachers

Campus Advisors are selected via an application process and Principal approval during the spring semester. Current MISD teachers interested in this position should contact Venetia Sneed via GroupWise.

Mansfield District Contact
Venetia Sneed: Program Developer/Coordinator
sneedv@mansfieldisd.org (817.453.7271)
Joyce Roberts: Director of Personnel
robertsj@mansfieldisd.org (817.453.6569)