About this role
New Teacher Mentors - District (Internal Candidates Only) - Multiple Positions, Salem Public Schools, (Bates, Bentley, ECC, HMLS, Sarah Parker Remond, WHES) [SY 2026-2027] About Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at https://salemk12.org/. What You'll Do: SPS is seeking ONE experienced and dedicated educator at each elementary school to serve as a new teacher mentor. In partnership with the coaches and building leader, each mentor will work with all of the first-year teachers in their building to support the development of welcoming classrooms that provide access to instruction for all learners. The stipend of $1,500 will include compensation for meeting at least twice monthly with their mentees and recording these meetings in a digital log via the Mentor module in the Professional Learning platform. Mentors are welcome to attend the 101 meetings led by the curriculum directors, and will report directly to the Executive Director of Academics and their building principal. Role Responsibilities:
• Maintain professional respect and confidentiality around the mentoring relationship.
• Meet with each mentee biweekly, individually or as a group.
• Offer support through active listening and by sharing experiences.
• Help beginning teachers to develop the practice of self-reflection.
• Support beginning teachers with reviewing student data.
• Support beginning teachers in the role of being a teacher in your school.
• Provide technical support with the student information system (attendance, grading, etc.)
• Provide support and guidance with caregiver communication.
• Support teachers with the technical aspects of the evaluation process.
• Act as a positive role model in all aspects of the teaching profession.
• Document ongoing mentoring collaboration via online form.
Essential Attributes:
• Holds an unwavering belief that every student in Salem can grow and succeed.
• Skilled in providing equitable access to the curriculum, particularly in underserved populations.
• Demonstrates competency with the four instructional focus areas: welcoming environment, comprehensible input, meaningful engagement, and adapting text.
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a building team.
• Has a strong work ethic, is self-directed, and has the ability to work independently.
• Self-reflects and accepts feedback with a growth mindset.
In Addition:
• Trained (or willing to be trained) as mentors, or plan to complete the district training (603 CMR 7.02) by attending supporting meetings.
• Completed at least three years of experience under an initial or professional license (603 CMR 7.02).
• Effective in the classroom as shown by receiving a rating of at least proficient on recent evaluations.
• Outstanding, proven teachers whose practice reflects excellent content knowledge of the MA Curriculum Frameworks.
• Making student gains as a result of their proven practice.
• Knowledgeable about the Standards of Effective Teaching Practice and Educator Evaluation system.
• Effective communicators and problem solvers, especially when working with adults.
• Aware of the merits of different teaching styles and can demonstrate a variety of pedagogical strategies/methods.
• Able to teach to the diverse learning styles of students.
• Knowledgeable about the professional and community resources in the school and district
• Able to maintain a confidential relationship.
• Willing and able to invest time with supports and scheduling adjustments by the school and district to develop mentoring skills and participate in the program for the duration of the year (or into subsequent years as determined by the duration of the program).
Job Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred
• Massachusetts educator certification (initial or professional)
• SEI endorsement
• Ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice as evidenced in an overall rating of Proficient.
• Received Proficient ratings in the most recent summative evaluation.
Applicant Process
• Mentors apply directly to their building principal or designee.
• Building principals forward the name of their building mentor to the Executive Director of Academics.
• Executive Director of Academics confirms stipend position and provides support and guidance.
Equal Opportunity Employer Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.