QMET - Quality Mentoring For Exceptional Teaching
Beginning teachers face many challenges. The reality of a public school classroom may be one of the most difficult transitions faced by beginning teachers in their entire professional careers.
The Shenandoah County Public Schools QMET Program helps beginning teachers make a successful transition into the teaching profession. It relies on the expertise of veteran teachers to provide a clinical real-world training process.
The QMET Program strives to effectively support new teachers as they join the staff of the Shenandoah County Public Schools.
QMET aids in the development of the highest quality professional educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Five "Points of Light" of the QMET Program
Welcome New Teachers
A simple "welcome" greets new teachers, letting them know we are pleased to have them in the Shenandoah County Public Schools' family of educators.
- Provide Administrative Support and Direction
Our experience tells us that new teachers need to know where to turn for help. A support structure is built for each new teacher.
- Maintain Frequent Contact
Communication is facilitated by the division through informational forums, as well as, personal conversations with an assigned mentor, designated administrators, and teacher colleagues.
- Conduct a Self-Evaluation
Self-evaluation is a valued tool in QMET. Each month beginning teachers are asked to self-evaluate their personal performance and reflect on incremental professional growth.
- Allow Time for Professional Development and Professional Relationships
Comfort and confidence are two very important words in QMET. New teachers are given opportunities to develop relationships with veteran teachers and administrators which enhance professional growth.
Leadership Academy Tenets
Teachers with the Shenandoah County Public Schools may apply to participate. Applications are accepted each fall if the program is offered.
Applications are considered based on the following criteria:
- recommendations of teacher colleagues
- recommendation of supervising administrator
- proven commitment to the profession of education and recognition of leadership qualities
Qualified Academy completers will be reimbursed $250 per credit hour for required graduate courses leading to administrative licensure. To receive this reimbursement, participants must be on continuing contract and have completed the Leadership Academy offered by SCPS.
A commitment must be made to the school division for continued employment for 3 years after final reimbursement.
Interested Leadership Academy participants will be given consideration for any school division administrative vacancy.
Skills Training/ Focus: Leadership Qualities and Administrative Knowledge
Training Topics
- Leadership, Decision making, Accountability and Public Relations
- School Safety and Discipline
- Educational Law and Practices
- Virginia's Standards of Learning/No Child Left Behind
- School Accreditation
- Personnel Recruitment, Evaluation, and Retention
- Fiscal Management
- Facilities Management
- Current Issues in Education
The Shenandoah County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. Specific concerns or allegations by students, employees or others may be referred to Andrew Ansoorian, Director of Human Resources or Evelyn Linaburg, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Administration. Concerns related to disabilities may be referred to Dr. Patricia D. Nelson, Section 504 Coordinator.
600 N. Main Street, Suite 200
Woodstock, VA 22664
540-459-6222