Texas Senate Bill SB713

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a school district assigning a mentor teacher to a new classroom teacher.

Impact

The bill introduces amendments to the Education Code, establishing a formal structure for mentoring new teachers. It delineates the qualifications required for mentor teachers, which include completing specified training programs and possessing a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience. Additionally, the bill allows for funding allocations specifically aimed at supporting mentorship initiatives, which could improve the educational landscape by addressing the needs of novice teachers and ultimately enhancing student performance in classrooms statewide.

Summary

Senate Bill 713 pertains to the enhancement of support structures for new classroom teachers in Texas. The bill mandates that school districts assign a mentor teacher to any classroom teacher with less than two years of experience. This initiative aims to ensure that new educators receive guidance and support during their crucial formative years in the teaching profession. By requiring that these mentorships begin within 30 days of the new teacher’s employment, the bill emphasizes the state's commitment to improving teacher retention and educational outcomes for students.

Sentiment

There is a general sense of support for SB713 among educators and advocates who view teacher mentorship as vital for professional development and retention. Proponents argue that the structured mentorship system is a step in the right direction towards reducing turnover rates among new teachers. However, some concerns were raised regarding the reliance on state funding, suggesting that if funding is not consistently provided, the effectiveness of the mentoring program could be compromised, thus underlining a potential point of contention regarding sustainability.

Contention

Critics of the bill express concerns that its implementation may be hampered by the lack of guaranteed funding, as the Texas Education Agency is only required to implement it if specific appropriations are made. This uncertainty could affect the robustness of mentorship programs across school districts, leading to inconsistencies in the support offered to new teachers. Furthermore, there are apprehensions about whether the mentorship criteria are strict enough to ensure that only qualified and effective mentors are assigned, which could affect the overall success of the program.