1. (1) An LEA shall provide an induction program for the LEA's licensed employees if:

   1. (a) an educator holds an associate educator license; or
   2. (b) an educator holds a professional educator license with less than three years experience.
2. (2) An LEA shall provide an induction program for at least three years for employees with an LEA-specific educator license.

3. (3) An induction program under this rule shall include, at a minimum:

   1. (a) a plan for on-going support and development of an educator, which may include reflective goal setting, implementation of action steps, and evaluation of outcomes that lead to refinement in instructional practice;
   2. (b) LEA support in meeting the requirements of a professional license for an individual who holds an associate license;
   3. (c) mentor observation and feedback for each educator beginning early in the program;
   4. (d) principal observation and feedback for each educator as required by Rule R277-533; and
   5. (e) assistance in meeting the pedagogical requirements described in Subsection R277-301-5(5).
4. (4) An induction plan under Subsection (1) shall provide a new educator with a trained mentor educator with a professional educator license.
5. (5) A trained mentor educator under Subsection (3) shall assist the educator to meet the Utah Effective Educator Standards established in Rule R277-330.
6. (6) A trained mentor educator may not have responsibility to evaluate a new educator for whom the educator acts as mentor.
7. (7) An LEA and a Utah approved education preparation program may partner in implementing the induction program required by Subsection (1).

8. (8) The Superintendent shall:

   1. (a) develop a model induction program, including model competencies for mentors;
   2. (b) provide training for mentors based on the competencies developed in accordance with Subsection (8)(a);
   3. (c) provide training for principals to oversee and support mentor training; and
   4. (d) facilitate the sharing of best practices among LEAs.

KEY: new educators, mentors, programs

Date of Last Change: April 9, 2024

Notice of Continuation: February 5, 2024

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-6-201