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Job outlook for mentor teachers in the United States
Mentor teacher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected mentor teacher job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 60,200 new jobs for mentor teachers are projected over the next decade.
Mentor teacher salaries have increased 9% for mentor teachers in the last 5 years.
There are over 1,348,552 mentor teachers currently employed in the United States.
There are 68,887 active mentor teacher job openings in the US.
The average mentor teacher salary is $48,261.
Are mentor teacher jobs in demand?
Mentor Teacher job and salary trends over time
Mentor Teacher jobs over time
Mentor Teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,348,552 | 0.40% |
| 2020 | 1,377,818 | 0.41% |
| 2019 | 1,440,597 | 0.43% |
| 2018 | 1,418,348 | 0.43% |
| 2017 | 1,421,257 | 0.43% |
Average mentor teacher salary over time
Mentor Teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,261 | $23.20 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $47,255 | $22.72 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $46,115 | $22.17 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $45,267 | $21.76 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $44,190 | $21.25 | +1.7% |
Mentor Teacher jobs by state
Most common states for mentor teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 162 | 23% |
| 2 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 568 | 19% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 230 | 17% |
| 4 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,133 | 13% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 814 | 13% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 140 | 13% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 687 | 12% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 415 | 12% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 245 | 12% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 115 | 12% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,471 | 11% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 733 | 11% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 619 | 11% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 735 | 10% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 191 | 10% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 260 | 9% |
| 17 | Vermont | 623,657 | 58 | 9% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 803 | 8% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 692 | 8% |
Most common cities for mentor teachers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Collins | 1 | 1% | $40,445 |
| 2 | New York | 1 | 0% | $68,072 |
Mentor Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mentor teacher experts
Towson University
University of Maine
University of South Florida
California State University - Fullerton
Alverno College
Florida Atlantic University
American Samoa Community College
University of New England
Eastern Mennonite University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Tuskegee University
Whitworth University
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Sumudu Lewis: Many soft skills are important to teachers. They include but are not limited to being effective communicators and demonstrating compassion, empathy, patience, and resilience. Leadership skills are also important, as are conflict resolution, time management, and collaborative skills. The most important hard skills include content knowledge, the ability to unpack the state standards to develop units of work, plan well-structured lessons with observable and measurable learning objectives, create and use formative and summative assessments to measure students' learning, analyze data from assessments and make adjustments to practice, integrate technology, have a repertoire of teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sumudu Lewis: The advice I always give these students is first and foremost, be a reflective practitioner. Reflect on their teaching, their interaction with students, and their general classroom management. Reflect on what worked and what needs improving always focusing on students' learning. Secondly, participate actively in professional development opportunities to stay current with innovative teaching strategies and educational research. Third, be organized, be flexible, and remain positive. Sometimes a lesson will not go as you planned, so be prepared to make changes on the spot. Finally, have fun and celebrate students' successes, no matter how small they are.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Sumudu Lewis: Maximizing salary potential can be done through various means. It is important that career teachers stay informed about the school district's salary scale and know about bonuses and other incentives - like running extra curricular activities. Explore opportunities to take additional classes for University credit. Advanced degrees like doctoral degrees allow teachers to qualify for positions like department chair, curriculum lead, or other administrative positions.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Kacey Higdon: In the next 5 years, skills such as digital literacy, adaptability to new technology, emotional intelligence and sound judgement, critical thinking skills, classroom management, and understanding how the brain works and learns, and diversifying learning are becoming increasingly important.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kacey Higdon: As a graduate beginning a career in Education, my advice would be to stay curious, be open to new opportunities, seek out POSITIVE mentors, stay adaptable, and continue learning and growing in the profession. Don't be afraid to take risks and push yourself outside of your comfort zone to discover new possibilities and expand your knowledge and skills. Remember that success is a journey, not a destination, so keep striving for excellence and don't be discouraged by setbacks.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kacey Higdon: To maximize your salary potential in the field of education, focus on obtaining relevant advanced degrees or certifications that can lead to higher paying positions. Vary the emphasis from each degree to open more opportunities. Seek out professional development and training to enhance your qualifications. Consider gaining expertise in specialized areas such as technology or special education. Finally, many teachers find tutoring to be lucrative side income.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Exercise discernment in your job selection: As a special education teacher, the range of positions available to you will be diverse and plentiful. Remember, a job interview is a two-way street. While school administrators will inquire about your qualifications, it’s equally important for you to evaluate the support and resources the school offers. Inquire about the school's induction programs for new teachers, mentorship opportunities, and the student-teacher ratio. Request a tour of the classrooms. It’s crucial that you feel a sense of belonging and alignment with both the environment and the team. The right fit for your initial teaching role can greatly enhance your capacity for resilience in this rewarding career. Never Stop Learning: Treat every day as an opportunity to learn something new. The most successful special educators are those who continue to grow their knowledge base and skill set long after formal education ends. Build Genuine Connections: Networking is more about building real relationships than accumulating contacts. Seek out educators as mentors whose work or path you admire and do are they are generally positive about teaching. Join a special education professional organization such as Council for Exceptional Children and get involved in the association at the local level. Maintain Work-Life Balance: It's crucial to find a balance that allows you to be productive at school while also taking care of your personal well-being. Burnout is real in the special education profession, and preventing it starts with recognizing the importance of your own health and happiness. Cultivate Your Personal Brand: Think about how you want to be perceived professionally as a special educator and make efforts to build your personal brand around those qualities. Whether it's through social media, blogging, or professional engagements, make sure your personal brand reflects your professional goals and values. Starting your career is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and fulfillment. By staying curious, resilient, and connected, you'll set the stage for a rewarding and successful career.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Technological Proficiency: With the ongoing integration of technology in educational settings, teachers will need to be adept at using assistive technology to support students with special needs. This includes both hardware and software that facilitate communication, learning, and accessibility. Definitely include the use of generative AI in your teacher preparation practices for positive time saver! Data Literacy: Being able to collect, interpret, and apply data to tailor educational approaches to individual student needs will be crucial. Data-driven decision-making can help in creating effective IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and monitoring student progress. Cultural Competency: As classrooms continue to diversify, understanding and respecting cultural differences and incorporating culturally responsive teaching methods will be essential. Collaboration and Teamwork: Special education often involves working closely with general education teachers, parents, and other professionals such as speech therapists or psychologists. Skills in collaboration and co-teaching will be vital. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognize and respond to students' emotional needs, as well as manage your own emotions, will be increasingly important in creating a supportive learning environment. Flexibility and Adaptability: With the fast pace of change in educational policies, practices, and student populations, special education teachers will need to be able to adapt their teaching styles and strategies quickly and effectively. Advocacy Skills: Being able to advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities will remain an important skill, including navigating the legal aspects of special education and working with families to ensure that students receive the services and support which they are entitled. Behavior Management: Developing strategies to effectively support positive behavior and address challenging behavior will continue to be a critical skill in the special education field. These skills will support a holistic and adaptive approach to special education, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Pursue Advanced Certifications: Beyond the required education, obtaining specialized certifications can make you more valuable to employers. Certifications in high-demand areas of special education can lead to higher pay, such as obtaining a reading dyslexia certification. Gain Experience in High-Need Areas: Some regions or schools may offer higher salaries or signing bonuses to attract teachers to high-need areas or in subjects with a shortage of qualified professionals. Develop a Niche Expertise: Specializing in a particular area of special education, such as autism spectrum disorders or assistive technology, can set you apart and potentially command a higher salary. Improve Your Educational Credentials: Consider pursuing a master's degree or doctorate. Higher educational attainment is often correlated with increased salary scales in educational institutions. Look for Leadership Opportunities: Positions with additional responsibilities, such as department head or program coordinator, often come with higher pay. Be proactive in seeking out these roles. Be Willing to Relocate: Sometimes the best opportunities for salary growth are in different cities or states. Being open to relocation can widen your options considerably. Continuously Enhance Your Skillset: Engage in professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in special education. Schools may pay more for teachers who are at the cutting edge of their field. Document Your Successes: Keep a comprehensive record of your achievements and the progress of your students. Demonstrable success can be a powerful lever in salary discussions. Promote your accomplishments through social media and branding.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Jonathan Higgins Ed.D.: Get involved in your school. Many club sponsor, team lead, coaching positions come with a supplement. Other teachers will work after-school tutoring programs, tutor privately, or work summer school. Additionally, many districts pay more for advanced degrees. The amount may only be $2,500 or so per year, but if you spend $10,000 on a Masters degree, it is likely you will pay it back in four or five years and then be making more money. Unfortunately, the only other way to maximize salary is to move into a more administrative role. It is sad when we see good teachers leaving the classroom to pursue administration solely for economic reasons. In addition, it is sad for administration when we see not so great people also move into those roles because they want to be paid more as well.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Higgins Ed.D.: Collaboration skills and teamwork. A big push right now in education is on the Professional Learning Community or PLC. This is where teachers actively collaborate to align their curriculum to their lessons and assessments and collaborate to create common resources for their classes. Teaching is no longer a solitary venture, and it is imperative that you learn to be a team member and to work with others. With all of the changes to AI, I think another important skill is going to be how to differentiate between good resources that match your curriculum and resources that simply look fun or interesting. Teachers are going to be tempted to use AI for lesson plan, activity, and assessment construction, and in some cases, it may be valuable and effective, but teachers are going to have to understand how to evaluate resources rather than just use what’s given to them or create on their own.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Higgins Ed.D.: Teaching is not easy. There will be days where your lessons go great, and there will be many more where they won’t. Teaching is incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else as a career, but many people underestimate how difficult and time-consuming teaching is, especially in the first few years. Be prepared to come early, stay late, and take things home on the weekend. Unfortunately, it takes a few years to get comfortable (I’d say close 3-7 as you see many teachers burn out after 2 or 3, but if you can stick with it, you will soon see firsthand the impact you make and the importance of the job. I am 16 years in and I see former students every day (those who had me and those who didn’t who say they wish they did), and I am constantly reminded of my why and the impact I’ve made on my community. Use your resources. You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. To come up with a great lesson can take 4-5 times as long as the lesson takes to present. Lean on your team members and ask questions, seek resources, and ask for help from your team, department head, and administration. Everyone there wants you to be successful, don’t be afraid ask for help. Be reflective. Teaching is constantly about shifting your instruction. If something didn’t go well, switch it up and try again. There are many times where I have changed a lesson mid-class, or gone home to shift my instruction for the rest of the week because my students weren’t getting it. That’s ok, but it’s important to reflect on that and to be flexible in your approach.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Catherine Nelson: On a typical day, in general, an educator plans lessons for their students, takes attendance when their students come in the room, teaches the planned lessons to their students, and assesses their students. They might do this individually or in a group; for example, a teacher might meet with their grade-level team to map out the next unit they are teaching or go over standardized test results as a group. Individually, a teacher might grade their students' exit tickets and decide to change the next day's lesson plan to review the material. Depending on the grade level, they may have recess duty or monitor a study hall. Beyond all the tasks they do, though, the most important thing educators do is create and maintain relationships with their students. They celebrate with their students when something new is learned, and they are there to listen when a student is sad and distracted because of a rough time at home. These are the things students remember about their teachers.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Catherine Nelson: Our kids need good teachers now more than ever. There is a teacher shortage, and we need people who can help make a difference in children's lives and the future.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Catherine Nelson: People love the fact that they make a difference. They can be an inspiration and change the way students view their world; they can help someone successfully navigate conflicts and roadblocks they deal with in their lives; they can encourage someone to go to college who thought they never could; and they might even convince someone to become a teacher, too, because they were that important in that student's life. Teachers are often frustrated because they want to do more for their students. Limited funding and resources are often barriers to high quality educational tools and equipment. It can also be emotionally taxing for a teacher if a student is experiencing trauma out of their control.
Dr. Pamela Brillante
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Pamela Brillante: Attaining additional certifications and credentials while in your first few years of teaching will grow your salary quickly.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Pamela Brillante: Understanding that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and that we all fall on some part of the continuum or spectrum of learning.
Being able to self-reflect on our own ableist views and change our mindset to believe that children are more alike than different.
Understanding a medical diagnosis doesn’t drive educational practices.
The need for initiative, persistence, creativity and problem solving in both ourselves and our students.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Pamela Brillante: View the profession as a puzzle you need to take time to solve. Never give up on a child. Given time and “outside of the box thinking” you will find what works. Understanding how someone learns is not black or white / right or wrong. We all do learn differently and it is our job as special educators to find that path for that specific child.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
David Wizer: Investigate career opportunities. Plenty of teaching positions available in school library media, some in educational technology. Check options in school systems where you want to work. Consider taking a teaching position where you could be a teacher/leader in your school.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Wizer: First, people skills, ability to collaborate with others and connect to students. Working in teams and leading and cooperating with colleagues. On-going interest in understanding and using technology and media well. Being independent in completing research and capably using applications, software, and technology.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
David Wizer: In nonprofit, public education field there’s not a great deal of negotiating opportunities. For students in the instructional design field there are ways to feature projects completed, skills they have, and a strong resume that highlights professional skills and experiences.
Dr. William Nichols Ph.D.
Professor, Literacy, Language and CultureUniversity of Maine
Education
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. William Nichols Ph.D.: As these new graduates begin to feel included in the culture of the school, as they become more comfortable with the curriculum, as they gain a better understanding of their learners' strengths and weaknesses, as they develop a management plan that works for them, and as they get better at their pacing and time management, they will transition into a master teacher and an excellent professional in the field of education.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Sarah Lauer: Ask about how the school invests in its new teachers. What is their teacher induction support like? Does the educational vision of the school administration line up with your own educational vision and values? Pick a school that is a good fit for YOU.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sarah Lauer: At the end of the day, relationships are at the heart of teaching. Listen as carefully as you can to your students. Invite them into the adventure of learning. Be playful yourself, and encourage play in learning for your students.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Sarah Lauer: View yourself as the professional that you are. Seek out those resources that will help you to continually improve in your career path. This might mean joining a professional learning community (PLC) at your school, or starting an online/evening/weekend Master’s degree program. Be curious when something doesn’t go well in the classroom. Build a network of experts and resources that you can go to when you have questions.
Tiffany Row Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, MMSN and ESNCalifornia State University - Fullerton
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: It's a great idea to begin working as a special education instructional aide to gain experience with students and in navigating school dynamics. These are usually part-time jobs, with hours available in the mornings or afternoons. You may gain experience in multiple settings, especially if you are hired as a substitute instructional aide, which allows you to learn about working with different grade levels and varying levels of student support needs. This is helpful as you decide whether you want to become a teacher for students with mild to moderate support needs, extensive support needs, or early childhood, and whether you might prefer working with younger or older students.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: There has been an increasing focus on social emotional learning in schools, and these skills are just as important for teachers to grow within themselves so they can best support and guide students in learning to regulate their emotions and navigate social relationships. And of course it's always crucial for teachers to have strong skills in literacy instruction.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: Earning a Master's degree after your credential puts you significantly higher on the pay scale and increases your earning power exponentially as you continue in the field.
Thor Stolen PhD
Associate Professor & program director of Special EducationAlverno College
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Thor Stolen PhD: Know that being a special education is difficult and can be stressful, but it can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to make a connection and reach one student, it is worth it. Take pride in small achievements and smiles you get from your students. Growth and change can be slow but with persistence, you can make a difference. Make sure to take time to enjoy your students, classroom, co-workers and school. Use your creativity/passions to create meaningful learning experiences that give access to education to non-traditional students. Take teaching as an opportunity to make meaningful connections to people and make huge contributions to students' educational experiences.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thor Stolen PhD: Developing relationships with students, co-teachers, community members to create more engaging and accessible learning experiences. Utilizing, developing, and maximizing your own superpowers to create unique, accessible, and memorable learning experiences. Utilizing and staying current with technology and figuring out how to integrate it into UDL lessons to broaden access to curriculum. Collaborating with fellow teachers to design meaningful units and accommodations for your students.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Thor Stolen PhD: Special education teachers are in high demand; leverage this power to negotiate higher wages/benefits or in selecting a school/placement that you want to be at. With teacher shortages in general, now is a great time to join a Teachers Union to support your collective cause.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Torica Exume Ph.D.: Start exploring career paths and opportunities, and actively seek out internships, networking events, and career fairs. Maintain your passion for your field and stay eager to learn and grow. Continuously expand your technical knowledge and skills, and remain open to acquiring new ones.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Torica Exume Ph.D.: The education sector undergoes continuous change, requiring graduates to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving trends and innovations. Skills that may gain importance in the field include proficiency in employing educational technology tools for teaching, learning, and assessment; using student data to inform instructional strategies; and adapting to emerging technologies and platforms.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Torica Exume Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential at the onset of your career requires strategic planning and goal setting. Begin by researching the typical salary range for your desired position and identifying the skills, qualifications, and experiences that enhance your value in the job market.
Shirley De La Rosa
Program Director, Teacher Education DepartmentAmerican Samoa Community College
Education
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Shirley De La Rosa: Educators like working with students, holidays off, professional development, learning new things, being appreciated, and when students learn from them. Dislikes may include demanding administration, long hours, too much work, unruly students, and lack of compensation for supplies. Some educators may also dislike waiting for other employment opportunities.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shirley De La Rosa: Entering the education field now is good due to improved pay scale for teachers with Bachelor, Master, and PhD Degrees, higher pay for certification, and many openings for teachers.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Shirley De La Rosa: The teachers in American Samoa prepare lesson plans, grade papers, open classrooms, greet students, have engaging activities, check for understanding, supervise events, attend meetings, and have special duties like coaching or advising.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Peter Badalament: Being an inquiry-based thinker, Flexibility, Learning to actively listen, Give feedback
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Badalament: Do everything you can to get a foot in the door - substitute teacher or get hired as a paraprofessional. I know that many schools hire teachers from pools of people they know. Preserve. Getting hired as an educator can be challenging at times, so hang in there.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Peter Badalament: Since most districts have a grid in the contract that tells you how much you'll make, it's critical that you advocate for yourself to get credit for other education-based work. Pick club advising or coaching stipend.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Paul Yoder: A key insight is that teaching is about making learning engaging and content relevant to students. It is rare for educators to teach students who are 'just like them' so building relationships with students is the first step. Keep in mind that each human is so much more than meets the eye so listening and curiosity are paramount.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Yoder: Most public schools award salary increases based on years of experience and academic credentials. So pursuing graduate courses not only invests in professional learning, but also earning potential.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Paul Yoder: The ability to foster healthy classroom communities has always been important. The fact that students of all ages experienced COVID during formative years makes this enduring adage that much more essential. Educators need to be able to facilitate a class meeting and employ a trauma-sensitive lens. These skills can be used proactively as well as when conflict occurs.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Natasha Griffin: It is a very rewarding field, you get to help and support so many children. It is also at times is a stressful field. The special education teachers are in charge of creating and implementing IEPs, as well as having meetings at least annually making sure that IEP’s are up-to-date. An IEP is a legally binding document, so this could be stressful for some special education teachers, especially novice teachers who first start in the field.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natasha Griffin: Special Education is a good profession to enter now because there is a great need for it regardless of where you live. There is a global need for teachers who work with students with disabilities. Due to more assessment options, trained Special Educators can implement research-based strategies effectively, which leads to higher gains in closing achievement gaps. School districts near and far have started to offer attractive incentives to recruit Special Educators. Special Education is a field that is needed from birth to adulthood to aide in developing productive citizens.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Natasha Griffin: A special education teacher wears many hats. Their main focus is on the students with individualized education plans (IEPs) to make sure that all of their needs are met such as providing accommodations and making sure that each student has a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). With the inclusive nature of special education, the special education teacher works directly with general education /content teachers, as well as collaborating with parents, administration, related service providers such as speech and language pathologists, and other stakeholders. Special education teachers provide co-teaching within the general education setting so that all students have an opportunity to learn together.
Dr. Valerie Pilmaier PhD
Associate Professor of English, Humanities and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies; co-chair of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Assessment CoordinatorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Valerie Pilmaier PhD: Trauma-Informed Pedagogy and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy are going to become even more important with each passing year as we recognize the way that trauma and circumstance affect the ability of students to learn. Technology will always be evolving, and we will always be running behind to catch it, but nothing can replace the feeling that a child has when she/he/they have been really 'seen' by a teacher. It makes all of the difference in terms of learning, self-esteem, belonging and hope.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Valerie Pilmaier PhD: I think it is important to recognize that teachers are in high demand right now and that means that you are able to make choices that best suit you. Remember that the highest paying position may not be the one that makes you the happiest. Think about where you would like to live, how comfortable you feel in the community, what role you would be playing in the school community as well as the surrounding community and determine if that is enough/too much for you, and, most importantly, listen to your instincts if it feels like a good fit. Teaching is such an emotionally demanding job that you need to love where you are working, and you need to have a good support system. Take a look at the turnover at the school. Go and take a look at the minutes from school board meetings and PTA meetings, which will tell you what is most important to the school and the community in relation to matters of education. The second thing that I would suggest is to continually strive to gain more education, above and beyond the continuing education that you are required to take. Take advantage of all of the professional development that you can and seek out opportunities that will strengthen your teaching portfolio.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Valerie Pilmaier PhD: The most important thing would be to cultivate relationships with your students so that you are looking at each student individually and assessing him/her/them accordingly. It can be so easy to get hung up on trying to hit common core standards and meeting your proposed curriculum map, but sometimes you need to slow it down so that true learning takes place. There are so many external and internal factors that can hinder a child's ability to learn, but research shows that a sense of belonging and feeling 'seen' dramatically increases students' ability to learn. Equally important is realizing that the first year is the hardest! You are suddenly in charge of a classroom and you will have a big learning curve, so don’t be afraid to lean on the more experienced teachers around you, take time to care for yourself, and realize that you will meet your goals for your students only if your own batteries are charged!
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Dr. Michael King: The best thing to do is to be dual certified if possible and then go ahead and get your administrative degree. This opens up the potential to maximize your earning potential.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael King: Content knowledge is key. You have to be well versed in your area. This leads to the critical skill of problem solving. Problems will dominate the day and you have to be able to function off script. Then there is effective communication skills. You have to be able to speak the language of students, parents, and colleagues. This navigation is critical to being successful.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael King: My general advice would be to make sure that your heart is truly in this work. It is a day a time when the profession is not respected as it should be and students come with so many challenges. You have to be a person who is in it to make a difference in the lives of others.
What general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Megan Griffin PhD, BCBA-D: Adaptability. This skill is nothing new to educators, but I do think that it will become even more important in coming years. We learned during the Pandemic that being able to pivot quickly to a new modality was critical. That’s an extreme example, but there are other large changes coming, some that we can anticipate (like the emergence of AI), and others that have never crossed our minds. Educators must adapt and expand their existing skillsets, which may require taking the initiative to request help from a colleague, support from an administrator, or additional training. The skills you have on Day One will need to expand considerably over the course of your career. Entering the field with the intention of being a learner, as well as an educator, will prevent your practice from becoming stale and will allow you to most effectively support your students.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megan Griffin PhD, BCBA-D: In most schools, salary is the result of three things: experience, education, and additional responsibilities. You can't do anything to accelerate your years of experience, but you can use them wisely. If you want to increase your income, the best way to do so is by seeking further education like an advanced degree or add-on endorsement. Additional responsibilities that can supplement your income include coaching, directing clubs, and some leadership roles. Another way to maximize salary potential is to do something that may already appeal to you: serve the underserved. There are specific schools, geographic areas, academic subjects, and student populations that are chronically in need of good teachers. Seek out endorsements in those areas, broaden your ideas about where and who you want to teach, and find opportunities to job-shadow or student teach in a range of settings. You can increase your salary potential and make a huge difference in the lives of kids who need your support.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Megan Griffin PhD, BCBA-D: My advice would be that this is a marathon, not a sprint. New professionals coming into Education are so needed--bringing their energy and creative ideas for innovation. We need you! Find ways to ensure that you take care of yourself so that you can continue in the field for years to come. It's also important to find both a mentor and a support system within your peer group. A mentor who is more experienced can help you navigate school politics and procedures, as well as offer ideas and resources when you need them. Your support system can provide you with encouragement and understanding from those who are in a similar place in their careers.
Meg Gardner Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer and Director of Teacher PreparationWhat general advice would you give to a Mentor Teacher?
Meg Gardner Ph.D.: Advanced degrees such as a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that will elevate your starting salary at the time of hire. Continual pursuit of coursework in relevant areas, such as special or bilingual education, will strengthen your capacities in the classroom and are often recognized by districts monetarily. Contributions to the district such as coaching a sport, advising extracurricular activities such as drama club, translate into additional increases in salary as well. Districts also frequently offer summer school teaching opportunities that would provide a means for further income obtainment.
What Mentor Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meg Gardner Ph.D.: Teaching is a human endeavor and each year is very different with unanticipated celebrations and challenges. Criticality is needed to navigate educational systems that historically promoted inequality. Teachers should call into question practices, such as tracking, that disenfranchise or silence groups of students. Teachers act as advocates who have the ability to promote new inclusive educational possibilities. Adaptability to new contexts and meeting students where they are is a key competency of teachers. Digital technology has great potential to support a wider array of learners. Aptitude with learning management systems, like Google Classroom, is a must. Adaptive software, like text to speech apps, have the ability to support differentiated instruction. Building engagement through computer-based programs, such as interactive virtual field trips and lab experiences, can enhance more traditional formats. Teachers spend more time collaborating with other school staff than ever before. Often a team of adults, ranging from paraprofessionals to school psychologists, will work together to support the individual needs of students. Understanding how to interact professionally with other individuals to work toward a common goal is a learned skill that can be cultivated.
What will help Mentor Teachers increase their earning potential?
Meg Gardner Ph.D.: First and foremost, make sure that the district where you plan to teach is a right fit for you. Gather a sense of the culture of the school by asking interview committee members about their own experiences at the district. Prior to accepting a position, conduct some research on the district; for instance, investigate the mission statement and the curricular opportunities available. Be ready with questions for committee members that help you understand the ethos of the school and look for compatibility among your own beliefs about teaching and learning. Once in the classroom, take advantage of early mentoring programs and seek out advice for respected colleagues more informally. Stay up to date with innovative practices through social media outlets and teacher training opportunities offered through your district. Lastly, make time in your busy schedule for activities that you find fulfilling to maintain a healthy and balanced outlook.