The Illinois State Board of Education is teaming up with teachers unions to provide support for first year teachers.
High quality mentoring programs are designed to reduce turnover among new teachers and give them a shoulder to lean on.
The Board’s Executive Director for Teaching and Learning Jennifer Kirmes says this is especially important during the pandemic.
"What it intends to do is to make sure that new teachers who are just beginning their careers in education in these incredibly unique and challenging times are supported both physically in-person for those who are able to be in-person and that they're supported through coaching and mentoring support."
Nearly two-thirds of Illinois' students are starting the 2020-21 school year remotely.
The mentoring program is being funded with a six and a half million dollar federal COVID relief grant.
