AFNR TIP™ – The mentoring program that started it all.
For new Tier 3 AFNR teachers or those who have completed CTE TIP
The Minnesota Teacher Induction Program for AFNR Educators was started during the 1999-2000 school year in a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Education. With more than 20 years of experience, AFNR TIP™ is a researched-based, proven approach to new teacher mentoring, with a 93% retention rate between year one and year two of teaching.
AFNR TIP
The Minnesota Teacher Induction Program (TIP) for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Educators serves as a professional learning community for new teachers. This program is for all newly licensed Tier 3 AFNR teachers, regardless of which teacher preparation program they completed, as well as AFNR teachers who have completed CTE TIP (Tier 2 or Tier 3).
The purpose of AFNR TIP is to positively influence new teachers’ development, efficacy, success, and retention. Participants are coached by an experienced senior mentor and are partnered with current teachers in the Minnesota Association of Agriculture Educators (MAAE) who serve as regional mentors.
AFNR TIP is a program of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN) Agricultural Education, Marketing, and Communications Department. AFNR TIP is free, made possible by grant funding from Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC).
Contact Dr. Lavyne Rada (MN CTE) or Dr. Amy Smith and Dr. Laura Rice (UMN) to learn more.
About the Program
The objectives of AFNR TIP are to:
- facilitate monthly professional development
- facilitate communication and programming to address new teacher challenges
- provide psychosocial mentoring
- provide teaching and program management resources
- provide an opportunity to analyze and reflect upon teaching
- influence teacher efficacy
- influence job satisfaction and teacher retention
AFNR TIP uses a comprehensive approach to assist new teachers during their early years. Effective teachers understand the commitment to being a life-long learner and one of AFNR TIP’s goals is to help new teachers begin this process. Following are activities intended to meet the purpose and objectives of AFNR TIP.
Face-to-Face Conferences
AFNR TIP provides support to early career teachers through networking and coaching from regional mentors, statewide content experts, and their peers to share resources, curricula, and best practices relevant to their AFNR area. This approach provides new teachers with an opportunity to meet with other participants, network with teachers, and become more connected to the AFNR profession.
Mentorship and Support
A cornerstone of AFNR TIP is the establishment of supportive relationships between mentors/coaches and early career teachers. Mentors are selected based upon their successful teaching experience, reputation as an effective mentor, and their ability to foster supportive relationships with other teachers. Each mentor provides assistance and support for approximately three to six teachers in their content area.
Collaborative Inquiry Groups
AFNR TIP participants form inquiry groups around topics of the group’s choosing to dig into content that will improve their classroom and program. Teachers work together to identify common challenges, analyze potential solutions, test out approaches, and share the resources they develop.
Virtual Meetings
Monthly virtual meetings are held throughout the year. Delivery of professional development by Zoom conserves valuable travel resources and is a convenient and efficient approach for new teachers to meet.
Welcome Orientation
In-person Seminars
Monthly
Virtual
Meetings
Second Monday of each Month
AFNR TIP Teacher Curriculum & Resource Drive
Each year teachers in CTE TIP and AFNR TIP share curriculum, resources, tools, and lesson plans they create to help those who come after them. AFNR TIP resources are free.
Support
For more than 20 years, AFNR TIP has been made possible by a legislative appropriation and single-source grant from the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC).
AFNR TIP is a trademark of the University of Minnesota (UMN).