More than 70 teachers, education specialists, principals and other administrators participated in a two-week long training session designed to support the implementation of a Mentor Teacher Training Program. This training serves to build and strengthen skills and techniques for teachers who are new to the classroom. This program provides teacher training in critical areas such as planning, management, instruction techniques, technology, and assessment. Administrators identify new teachers with little or no teaching experience and pair them with seasoned, experienced teachers who can help the new teachers build their skill-level in the aforementioned areas.
To ensure the success of this endeavor, a core group of qualified MOE personnel identified as the resource team for this project underwent a five-day training-of-trainers on July 27 – July 31, 2009. The resource team will serve as the coordinating and support team for the Mentor Teacher Training Program. Following their training, the resource team commenced training for program participants. The training was organized into four separate sessions. The first session focused on training for new, or mentee teachers, the second session was for the experienced, or mentor teachers, the third session hosted school administrators and the MOE Management Team, and the fourth and final session was a plenary session. During the plenary session, schools had a chance to convene and discuss the outcomes of the training and their plans for the implementation of the program. Teachers participating in the program also received portfolios which will be used to document their progress throughout the program. The Ministry of Education’s committment to strengthening the quality of classroom instruction is evidenced by their unwavering dedication to ensure that the youth of Palau are provided with the best educational opportunities possible.
