District-Wide Mentors (DWMs)

The District-Wide Mentor role is governed under Peer Assistance Review Panel (PARP) Guidelines. District-Wide Mentors work with teachers to improve their instructional skills and level of performance, as defined by the teacher’s career category. DWMs provide targeted, customized, and confidential assistance for a caseload of up to 20 teachers at a time. DWMs' caseloads primarily include Ohio Resident Educators (OREs), Teacher Requests for Assistance (TRAs), and Principal Requests for Teacher Assistance (PRAs).

Build peer-based relationships with OREs to discuss what effective teaching is and what effective teaching looks like in practice
Bi-weekly check-ins (in person, email, text, call, video conferencing)
Review the Teacher Self Assessment Summary Tool
Assist with the Professional Growth Plan and the steps to meet their goal(s)
Complete 4 ORE FM Collaboration Logs focusing on:
- Aligning Assessment to Content
- Collaboration with Colleagues
- Communication and Collaboration
- Opportunities for Student Self-Assessment
- Formative and Summative Assessment
- Formative Assessment Effective Feedback
- Positive Learning Environment
Conduct one or two formal non-evaluative classroom observations/walk-throughs, followed by a Post-conference
Arrange for a classroom visit to an Accomplished or Skilled-rated teacher’s classroom

What is a Teacher Request for Assistance (TRA)?

What is a Principal Request for Assistance (PRA)?

Assistance for TRAs and PRAs begins as caseload allows and concludes after 30 instructional work days unless additional time is requested. All assistance between the DWM and teacher, including meetings, discussions, and outcomes, is confidential.

Some Examples of DWM assistance guided by the Teacher Performance Evaluation Rubric

Focus for Learning: Assist teachers with selecting high-quality student data to develop measurable and developmentally appropriate student growth goals.
Knowledge of Students: Assist teacher in connecting their lessons to student experiences, culture, backgrounds, prior/future learning, needs and interests.
Lesson Delivery: Assist teachers in using differentiated instructional learning strategies and resources to support the learning needs of all students.
Classroom Environment: Assist teachers in creating a positive learning environment and establishing clear routines, procedures and transitions to maximize instructional time.
Assessment for Learning: Assist teachers in analyzing data trends and patterns to modify and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students.
Professionalism: Assist teachers with developing multiple communication strategies to engage families and promote two-way communication.

Additional DWM Responsibilities

Plan and conduct New Teacher Induction (NTI), a 3-day professional development opportunity for all teachers new to the district
Welcome and share PARP supports with new teachers in the district throughout the school year
Serve as a PARP liaison with the principals in our school clusters
Plan and lead edUNITE networking events for teachers
Support teachers affected by the Teacher Allocation Committee (TAC)
Conduct lead teacher credentialing evaluations
Support teachers on Improvement Plans and/or Comprehensive Assistance and Review (CARs)
Participate in recruiting opportunities
Support teachers with Transfer Rounds