eMSS

In October 2002 the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a five-year grant to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the New Teacher Center (NTC) at the University of California Santa Cruz, and Montana State University's Science/Math Resource Center (MSU) to develop the innovative e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS).

For three years the project piloted a model for e-mentoring beginning secondary science teachers in school districts in California and Montana. In 2005, six states joined eMSS. In 2006-07, six additional states plus two large school districts joined the online network for a total of 16 Affiliates throughout the United States. Currently there are 181 beginning science teachers and 125 science teacher mentors participating in eMSS in ten states.

eMSS supports and extends mentoring for beginning science teachers, anytime, anywhere through flexible and accessible technology that is easy to learn and use. The eMSS network is designed to promote professional development through dialogue. The network includes:

Once you complete the online program orientation, you will be paired with a veteran teacher in your content area who will be your online mentor. Throughout the year you'll be working with your mentor in what is called Our Place (more on Our Place in a moment). You'll also participate in a variety of online discussions with other new teachers and their mentors. In addition, through eMSS you'll have at your fingertips a wide range of content specialists who are available to share ideas in your content area. In order to help you make the most of your experience on eMSS, we have structured the program around specific discussion areas and provided conversation guides on different topics for you to select from. These are described below.

Your main connection to eMSS is with your mentor in Our Place. Our Place is a private discussion area for you and your mentor. Here you will do much of your work for eMSSincluding guided discussions that are called Inquires. You may also sometimes discuss Dilemmas in Our Place (and we'll tell you about Inquiries and Dilemmas below). Our Place provides a running "threaded" record of your discussions with your mentor so you can easily refer back to them if needed.

Inquiries are conversation guides designed to help you—with the guidance of your mentor—to deepen your teaching practice and boost your effectiveness with your students. The Inquiries, which form the core of the eMSS program, are classroom based. Each Inquiry is flexible and adaptable for your special teaching situation. You'll work with your mentor over a period of six to eight weeks to complete an Inquiry. (First-year teachers substitute a Mini-Inquiry in the fall; see the Introduction to Inquiries for more information). With each round of Inquiries, you'll have a choice of topics so you can select an area relevant to your teaching.

A Dilemma is a short, open-ended scenario that poses a question about a specific teaching issue. Mentees and mentors conduct online discussions offering possible solutions to a Dilemma. Dilemmas are optional, and are designed to provide you with a quick, interesting, and useful way to participate on the eMSS website. You'll have a choice of many Dilemmas during the year.

The key to a successful year with eMSS is regular participation. Establish at least two times a week when you ALWAYS check in to eMSS. Even during a busy week, a few minutes on the eMSS site will keep you up-to-date and feeling connected. eMSS is a community—and regular participation is crucial.

August and September: The program begins with an Online orientation where you will have access to resources and learn about the eMSS program and site navigation.

September and October: You’ll use the activities in Getting Started to guide your initial work with your mentor. Getting Starting will help you get to know your mentor as well as support you during the important first few weeks of school. Dilemma discussions will begin.

November and December: You'll choose an Inquiry to work on with your mentor (Firstyear teachers work on a Mini-Inquiry). You'll also have the option to continue to post to the Dilemma discussions.

January: After returning from winter break, you'll connect back to your mentor and participate in ongoing Dilemma discussions as you close out the first semester.

February to May: You'll choose one Inquiry to work on during this time, either during February and March OR April and May. You have the option of completing both winter and spring sessions during this time if you want additional professional development hours or units of credit.

Dilemmas: You may read and/or respond to Dilemmas that will be regularly posted for discussion.

Content Specialists: As part of the eMSS community, we have content experts available to help you and answer your questions in the Content Discussion Areas.

Resources: A rich range of teaching resources stand ready for you to access for teaching your classes. You can find resources in your discipline by clicking on the Content icon.

Got Ideas and Cyber Lounge Discussion Areas: Throughout the year you can always post immediate questions to Got Ideas for a rapid response. yber Lounge is a discussion area for talking about teaching topics not directly related to eMSS.