NEW TEACHER DEVELOPER SELECTION CRITERIA

Selecting the right staff to become instructional mentors is a crucial component of advancing new teacher practice and student learning, and can aid you in your efforts to create and sustain a collaborative, reflective school culture. The NTD Program offers the following Mentor Selection Criteria to guide you in assessing your mentor candidates, and selecting the individual(s) you want to cultivate through the New Teacher Development Program and to play this important role in your school.

New Teacher Developer Candidate:


Does this candidate meet the minimum requirement of 5 or more years of teaching experience? YES NO

Dispositions
Skills / Key Criteria / Evidence Reflections
Professional Learner / Does the NTD Candidate actively seek constructive feedback to reflect on and analyze the impact of
teaching practice on student learning?
Does the NTD Candidate seek professional learning opportunities to improve instruction and increase student learning?
Does the NTD Candidate initiate and facilitate collaboration among colleagues to foster inquiry, reflection, and innovation?
Does the NTD Candidate express optimism for the potential of teachers and schools to advance student learning and development?
Instructional Leadership / Does the NTD Candidate exhibit a high degree of personal integrity, resilience, ethical conduct, and
credibility with all members of the school community?
In interaction with all members of the school community, does the NTD Candidate
●  listen well?
●  ask insightful questions?
●  respond thoughtfully?
●  express empathy?
Does the NTD Candidate clarify and mediate the learning needs of others?
Does the NTD Candidate effectively present ideas, lead discussions, and creatively structure learning opportunities?
Mentor Mindset / Does the NTD Candidate express a belief that strong teachers are developed, rather than born? Does the NTD Candidate believe that the path to becoming an exemplary practitioner must be
different based on the learning and teaching styles of educators?
Does the NTD Candidate express a willingness to advocate for colleagues and students?

*Adapted from the New Teacher Center, 2014

Attention to Diversity / Does the NTD Candidate have a record of effective teaching practice in classroom settings with
English Language Learners and students with special needs?
Does the NTD Candidate have a record of valuing educator diversity and enthusiastically
collaborating with colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences?
Does the NTD Candidate design and facilitate learning that includes deliberate and multiple opportunities for students to build on their own knowledge, experiences, interests, and backgrounds?
Does the NTD Candidate articulate and demonstrate high expectations for all students?
Does the NTD Candidate respect, know, and understand cultural differences and use that understanding to promote positive and productive interactions among students, colleagues, families, and the larger community?
Inquiry Stance / Does the NTD Candidate regularly collect and analyze a broad range of student data and use that analysis to plan differentiated instruction?
Does the NTD Candidate clearly articulate the role of formative assessment in classroom instruction?
Does the NTD Candidate collaborate with colleagues to analyze student work to inform changes in instructional practices and organizational structures?
Does the NTD Candidate have an inquiring stance towards teaching practice, such as:
●  approaching issues with thoughtful questions and reflective responses?
●  exploring issues from multiple perspectives?
●  acknowledging complexities and ambiguities
Effective Classroom Instruction
& Knowledge of Pedagogy / Is the NTD Candidate’s teaching practice effective in all components on the Massachusetts Teacher Rubric?
Is the NTD Candidate’s planning and instruction aligned to the Massachusetts Framework and
Common Core State Standards?
Does the NTD Candidate clearly articulate effective classroom practices?

New Teacher Developer Candidate’s areas of strength: New Teacher Developer Candidate’s areas for growth:

What supports would this NTD Candidate need to succeed? In what ways could other school personnel, network staff, and the NTD program help provide these supports?