BEST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What is the purpose of the BEST grant?

BEST includes First Year, Second Year, and Provisional New to a Teaching Assignment teachers, as defined below. The grant’s purpose is to provide support and encouragement for early career teachers in order to strengthen their instructional skills and to retain competent teachers in the profession. Fifty percent of teachers leave the profession after seven years, most citing lack of support as a primary reason.


Who can participate in this grant?

There are seven districts that are part of the ESD 112 BEST Consortium: Battle Ground, Castle Rock, Evergreen, Hockinson, Kalama, Kelso, and Ridgefield. All First, Second year, and Provisional New to a Teaching Assignment teachers in those seven districts are eligible to participate.

If a non-consortium district would like to participate, they should contact the ESD 112 Instructional Services Department. There is a for-fee option available.


What are the definitions of First Year, Second Year and Provisional New to a Teaching Assignment Teachers?


First Year Teacher: A new teacher with 179 days or fewer in a continuous certificated teaching assignment in public or private schools anywhere in the United States.

Second Year Teacher: An individual with 180 days to 359 days of experience as a contracted, certificated teacher in public or private schools anywhere in the United States.

Provisional New to a Teaching Assignment: A teacher with more than 180 days but less than 539 days of experience as a contracted, certificated teacher in public or private schools anywhere in the United States who, in the 2011-12 school year, is teaching a new assignment (more than .5 of the teaching assignment must be different) from the previous school year.

Note: For purposes of this grant, neither of the following should be counted toward the total days of experience in each category: intermittent, non-continuous experience as a substitute teacher; nor participation in Learning Improvement Days (LID).


Are teachers with non-continuing contracts eligible for this program?

Contracted, certificated teachers are eligible as defined by the definitions above.


Can ESA staff participate in this grant?

No, ESA staff do not qualify.


Can a part-time teacher participate?

Yes, a part-time teacher may participate fully as a First Year, Second Year, or Provisional New to a Teaching Assignment teacher.


Can pre-school teachers be included?

The target population for this grant is K-12 teachers.


What professional development is available through the grant?

New teachers will participate in a series of professional development events. Professional development will focus on knowledge and skills for effective teaching and communicating learning. Mentors will have opportunities to participate in mentor training and regional Mentor Roundtables. Schedules for all professional development opportunities will be made available soon. Clock hours will be offered.


If a teacher qualifies, are they required to participate?

Districts make that decision and have requested to participate in this grant. Once a teacher has been accepted by the grant, he/she is expected to fulfill all of the obligations. Grant staff will monitor participation in all events.


What is the compensation structure?

First and second year teachers and their mentors receive a stipend for participation, as do Provisional Teachers new to teaching assignment. Clock hours will be offered for all classes.

Stipends for 2011-12 are as follows:

A mentor who is approved to work with more than one mentee will be paid an additional partial stipend.


Who can be a mentor?

There is a mentor selection process that is followed. Candidates need to be currently employed in the district and preferably have at least five years of successful teaching, two in the same district. It is highly recommended that they have participated in the OSPI Mentor Academy or like training. Principals will select mentors for First and Second year teachers. Every effort will be made to match the same grade level and content area.


How can I apply to be a mentor?

See your building principal to get a BEST Mentor Application.


Can a mentor be assigned to more than one teacher?

Yes, mentors may be assigned to more than one teacher if approved by building and district administration. Mentors will receive a 1.0 stipend for the first mentee and a .5 stipend for each additional mentee.


If the mentee is a singleton in a building (i.e. one drama teacher), can the mentor come from another building?

A mentor from another building (or another district) may be selected. Please contact your principal for additional assistance.


Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Each district has identified a Key Contact for the BEST grant. They are responsible for getting information out to building principals.

District Key Contacts are:

At the ESD, the key grant contacts are:

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