Faculty Education Services

Peer Assistance & Mentoring




The Induction Program is comprised of four components: Peer Assistance, Mentor Teachers, Administrative Support and Professional Development. The program is a component of the Professional Development Office, and is facilitated by the Peer Assistants.

Peer Assistance Program

The Boise School District and the Boise Education Association are continuously striving to provide the highest possible quality of education. We recognize that for students to succeed in learning, teachers must succeed in teaching. The Peer Assistance Program provides collegial and instructional support to new and veteran teachers.

The Program includes a Joint Steering Panel comprised of BEA and District administrative members, and three full-time Peer Assistants. Peer Assistants work directly with teachers to create a plan for success, which may include goals based on principal evaluations and teacher aims. Peer Assistants maintain confidentiality while working collaboratively with building administrators and teachers.

Peer Assistant Leaders are experienced certificated employees who have mastered their craft, are dedicated to promoting excellence in the teaching profession, and have interest in working closely with colleagues to improve the quality of their instruction.

What is the Role of a Peer Assistant?

  • Identify, model and develop effective instructional skills.
  • Develop specific performance goals and a plan of action.
  • Offer support to peers.
  • Monitor the progress of peers.
  • Establish and maintain communication as necessary.
  • Provide comprehensive and continuous support to improve peer instructional skill.

Peer Assistant will accomplish these goals by conferencing with teachers, spending time in classroom observations, brainstorming instructional and management strategies, demonstrating effective techniques and cooperatively planning activities and lessons.