Lincoln Memorial University is one of four educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee, who collaborated with district partners to pilot the professional development training modules for mentor teachers. As key partners in clinical preparation, mentor teachers play an essential role in modeling effective instructional practices, supporting candidate development, and contributing to the overall quality of educator preparation. The support provided by mentor teachers has a critical impact on both the success of teacher candidates and the long-term retention of new educators. We are thankful that we can work together with our district partners in the preparation and support of teachers.
The Goal 3 Retention Committee met at Vanderbilt University on October 15, 2025. At that time, the committee completed a final review of the Novice Educator Mentoring Module (NEMM), a comprehensive training module for mentor teachers. The module was developed through the collaborative efforts of the committee, to provide training materials and support for mentor teachers, with the intent that the training would improve outcomes and retention for beginning educators.
Four Tennessee Educator Preparation Providers (The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, Johnson University, and Lincoln Memorial University) and their district partners will participate in the pilot, which was set to launch December 2025/January 2026. Mentors who participate in the pilot and complete the module will receive professional development (PD) points and other incentives (e.g., drawing for a gift card). At the completion of the pilot and review of the data and outcomes, the goal is to make the training modules available to all EPPs and district partners in the state of Tennessee.
Dear Colleague Letter from the US Department of Education on Retaining Special Education Teachers
