Participants may register at any time and work at their own pace. Participants are expected to finish 17 weeks after enrolling unless receiving a written extension from their Superintendent.

Those districts who are paying some or all of the course price, or want additional information, should contact us at wribas@ribasassociates.com or 781-551-9120 to set up a payment arrangement.

The research indicating the positive impact mentors have on the performance and retention of educators abounds. However, one factor most people don't know is that in many cases an untrained mentor can be detrimental to the success of a newly hired educator. The cost of not providing a highly trained mentor, in terms of student achievement and attrition is very high. Students may have a full year of ineffective education or clinical support. Administrators and those in the hiring process must spend dozens of hours hiring again for the same position due to attrition.

The course may be taken for three graduate credits or just for PDPs or CEUs. Those who wish graduate credit pay and additional cost to Fitchburg State University $295.

The text for the course is Mentoring and Inducting Educators New to the District. The book has been used by hundreds of school districts to train mentors. The course is taught by one of the book's author's Cindy Marchand. Cindy has been a teacher, a coordinator of mentors in the Newton, MA public schools, a principal, and an assistant superintendent for teacher and learning. She has trained hundreds of mentors who worked with educators at all levels, subject areas, and clinical position.

Click here to see how the program aligns with national mentor standards.