Senate enacts Sen. Rafferty bill to promote a high-quality teacher workforce

AUGUSTA — On June 25, the Senate sent LD 470, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Review Teacher Mentoring Programs in Maine Public Schools,” to the Governor’s desk. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, would take a detailed look at mentoring programs that support Maine’s critical teacher workforce.

“Maine students will likely have many teachers as they move through school. Some of those teachers may have decades of teaching experience, able to adapt to school environments quickly, while others may just be starting their journey and need a friendly helping hand,” said Sen. Rafferty. “By strengthening avenues for mentorship, where our veteran teachers build up our newest educators, we can quickly acclimate new teachers to school districts and create an easier transition to a new environment.”

As amended by the committee, LD 470 would direct the Maine Department of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to review the current status of teacher mentoring programs in public schools and report back to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. The report would help the Committee make well-informed decisions about how mentoring programs may need to be improved or expanded upon.

The Maine Department of Education defines an effective mentor as one who “serves as an advocate for the beginning educator and assists him or her in finding resources. Mentors also provide emotional support and problem solve with the beginning educator. As the mentor and mentee relationship evolves into more collegiality, the meetings focus on such issues as effective planning and instruction, differentiation, curriculum, assessment, and student achievement.”

LD 470 was held by Gov. Mills for further action until the next time the Legislature convenes for more than three days. Under the Maine Constitution, at that point, the Governor would have the option to veto the bill or allow it to become law without her signature.