(1) "Beginning administrator" means a principal or superintendent who:

(a) Possesses an administrative license issued by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission;

(b) Is employed as a principal or superintendent by a school district; and

(c) Has been assigned for fewer than two school years in the administrator’s present position.

(2) "Beginning teacher" means a teacher who:

(a) Possesses a teaching license issued by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission;

(b) Is employed at least half-time, primarily as a classroom teacher, by a school district; and

(c) Has taught fewer than two school years as a licensed probationary teacher in any public, private or state-operated school in any state.

(3) "Educator network" means an educator network established under ORS 342.943.

(4) "Mentor" means an individual who:

(a) Is an acting or retired teacher, principal or superintendent;

(b) Has met established best practice and research-based criteria as defined by the State Board of Education by rule;

(c) Possesses a teaching or administrative license issued by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission;

(d) Has successfully served for five or more years as a licensed teacher, principal or superintendent in any public school; and

(e) Has been selected and trained as described in ORS 329.815.

(5) "Mentorship program" means a program provided by a mentor to a beginning teacher or administrator that includes, but is not limited to, direct classroom observation and consultation, assistance in instructional planning and preparation, support in implementation and delivery of classroom instruction, development of school leadership skills and other assistance intended to assist the beginning teacher or administrator to become a confident and competent professional educator who makes a positive impact on student learning. [Formerly 329.675; 2015 c.647 §1; 2017 c.639 §§6,11; 2018 c.72 §§32,33]