"SANTA CRUZ -- Whenever school districts eye new budget cuts -- as they likely will after the governor reveals his budget plan Friday -- professional development funding is often among the first things placed on the chopping block.
But for several years now, a private foundation has been underwriting a two-year mentoring program in local schools that fosters collaboration between experienced teachers across districts.
Through its Art of Teaching program, the Cotsen Family Foundation fully funds the salary and benefits of one elementary teacher per participating school to serve as a mentor to five or six colleagues, who are called fellows. The program also provides an annual $1,000 stipend for fellows to attend conferences."
But for several years now, a private foundation has been underwriting a two-year mentoring program in local schools that fosters collaboration between experienced teachers across districts.
Through its Art of Teaching program, the Cotsen Family Foundation fully funds the salary and benefits of one elementary teacher per participating school to serve as a mentor to five or six colleagues, who are called fellows. The program also provides an annual $1,000 stipend for fellows to attend conferences."