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Mentor Manual:

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A Comprehensive Guide for Itinerant Teaching Professionals

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Introduction to Itinerant Teaching

  • Definition: Specialized educators who travel between schools/locations
  • Primary role: Supporting ENL, hearing impaired, and students with visual impairments
  • Service delivery model: Direct instruction and consultative services
  • Professional scope: K-12+ (super seniors/up to 21 years old)

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Communication Frameworks

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  • Parent Communication (you can send a letter or phone call)
    • Provide service schedule
    • Provide contact information
    • Provide electronic communication form when services are initiated
    • Ongoing communication throughout the year
    • Annual review recommendations
  • Regular updates
    • Read weekly update email from Lead Teacher
    • Submit Annual Review Narratives to ESBOCES Administration as per provided timeline
  • Documentation methods
    • Google consult form
    • Lesson Plans
    • Weekly Schedules/Attendance
    • Mileage

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Communication Frameworks Con’t

  • School Personnel
    • Introduce yourself to Classroom teacher- Via email or in-person
    • Introduce to yourself security and main office/Principal & Special Education Chairperson
  • Collaborative team meetings
  • Resources
    • District Badge
    • District email/Gmail
    • District Wifi Access
    • Room to provide services in school building
    • Emergency Procedures
  • Professional documentation
    • Obtaining district Annual Review schedule to prioritize report writing
    • Submitting Annual Review Narrative to District via email or uploading to repository
    • Completing PLEPS & Goals on IEP
    • Completing Progress Notes on district timeline

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Communication Frameworks Con’t

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  • Collegial Interaction
    • GroupMe* Vision
    • Department Collegial Drive
  • Mentorship opportunities
    • Formal
    • Informal
  • Professional learning communities
    • Vision/O&M
      • AER- NYSAER, PENNDEL, NEAER
      • Perkins
      • TSBVI
      • Carol Center
      • Hadley Training Center
    • ENL*
    • Hearing*
  • Best practice sharing
    • Confidentiality
    • Secure Courier
  • Cultural Sensitivity
    • Be mindful of cultures and parenting styles
    • Use of Translation Services

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Effective Scheduling Strategies

  • Time management principles
    • Adhere to schedule
    • Accountable for your time
    • Sign in & out of buildings
  • Travel considerations
    • Unforeseen delays
      • Weather
      • Construction
      • Accidents
      • Lock-down/Lock-out
      • Fire Drill

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Effective Scheduling Strategies

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  • Student contact hours
    • Check your caseload spreadsheet
    • Make sure all consults are scheduled and complete Google Consult form
  • Documentation time
    • Note paperwork time in your schedule
    • Update your schedule in timely manner
    • Include parent and teacher contact within schedule
  • Department meeting
    • 4x per year via Zoom with ESBOCES Administration
    • Include in your schedule
  • Emergency contingency planning
    • Call ESBOCES Administration in case of an emergency
    • Notify Lead Teacher with any concerns

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Monthly Routine Checklist

  • Student progress monitoring
  • Material preparation
  • Parent communications
  • Team meetings
  • Assessment scheduling
  • Professional development
  • Record keeping
  • Equipment maintenance

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Annual Timeline Overview

Check Monthly To Do Checklist in Google Drive

  • September
    • Check IEP and Commitment for services
    • Scheduling
    • Material handout
    • Quota Funds Orders
    • Assign Bookshare books/textbooks
  • October
    • Check for January Regents exams for HS students
    • Contact school Principal or AP to order Braille or Large print state tests and Regents test
    • Contact school Principal or AP to order digital format for state tests and Regents test
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  • November-December: Progress reports
  • December-June: Annual reviews
  • March-April: Annual IEP preparations
  • May-June: Year-end evaluations
  • Summer: Professional development

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Annual Timeline Overview

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  • November-
    • Prep for Annual Review
  • December
    • Start Annual Review
  • January
    • HS students check for mid year schedule changes
    • Contact new subject teachers to share student information
    • HS students check what review books student will need for Regents review
  • December-June:
    • Hand in Narratives
    • Attend (if invited) Annual reviews and share AR Mtg. dates with ESBOCES administration
    • HS students check for mid year schedule changes
  • April
    • Email Placement preference for next year
  • May-June:
    • Year-end procedures
    • Pack up all AT
    • Return Braille and large print books
  • Summer
    • Professional development
      • makeup week for needed hours

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IEP Integration with Districts

  • Incorporating assessment results
  • Goal development
  • Service time recommendations
  • Accommodation specifications
  • Progress monitoring plans
  • Team collaboration
  • Implementation strategies

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District Reporting Requirements

  • Submission deadlines
  • Required documentation
  • Format specifications
  • Review processes
  • Confidentiality protocols
  • Record retention
  • Access procedures

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Professional Development

  • Required certifications
  • Continuing education
  • Conference opportunities
  • Online training
  • Mentorship programs
  • Professional networks
  • Career advancement paths