The Law

There are three areas of legislation that affect new teachers:

1. New Teacher Induction/Mentoring Process: PA 355 (1993), Section 1526
2. Amendments to the Teacher Tenure Act: PA 59 (1993), Article II, Section 3a(1)
3. Teacher Certification: PA 289 (1995)

New Teacher Induction/Teacher Mentoring Process

Section 1526, PA 335 (1993) as amended by PA 289 (1995), mandates a new teacher induction and teacher mentoring process. It states:
"For the first 3 years of his or her employment in classroom teaching, a teacher shall be assigned by the school in which he or she teaches to 1 or more master teachers, who shall act as a mentor or mentors to the teacher. During the 3-year period, the teacher shall also receive intensive professional development induction into teaching, based on a professional development plan that is consistent with the requirements of section 3a of article II of Act No. 4 of the Public Acts of the Extra Session of 1937, being section 38.83a of the Michigan Compiled Laws, including classroom management and instructional delivery. During the 3-year period, the intensive professional development induction into teaching shall consist of at least 15 days of professional development, the experience of effective practices in university-linked professional development schools, and regional seminars conducted by master teachers and other mentors."

Summary of Section 1526, PA (1993) as amended by PA 289 (1995):

For the first 3 years of his or her employment in classroom teaching, a new teacher must:

• Be assigned one or more mentors, who are either: master teacher(s), college professor(s), or retired master teacher(s);
• Have a professional development plan (IDP) which includes classroom management and instructional delivery;
• And complete 15 days of professional development focusing on effective practice and conducted by master teachers, university personnel or other mentors.

What constitutes a "day" ?

The Michigan Department of Education Office of Professional Preparation and Certification defines a "day" of professional development to be a contract day as defined by the district or governing board. For example, if your local teacher contract defines a "day" as 5 hours, accumulating five hours of professional development can be counted as one of the 15 days mandated in this legislation. Time spent attending the session as well as time spent putting together a report which is shared can all be counted (towards the 15 day requirement). Decisions of this type should be guided by the individual's professional development plan. Such a determination should be agreed upon by the new teacher and the administration of the local school district.

What activities can be counted towards the 15 days?

There are a variety of activities that can be counted towards the 15 day requirement:

• All workshops provided by the Macomb New Teacher Academy,
• District/school in-services
• Summer workshops
• Other workshops at the MISD (outside of the NTA) are a few examples.

It is each district's responsibility to decide if an experience will count towards the 15 day requirement.

What is a "new" teacher?

A "new" teacher is defined as anyone entering the teaching profession and new to the teaching profession. However, local school districts may include teachers newly hired into the district who may have previous teaching experience.