Beginning Educator Support Team

The Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) supports novice educators in Washington through comprehensive induction. The goal of the program is to support and retain beginning educators to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for every student in Washington. When we set up our novice teachers for success, we set up their students for success.

“Washington school districts who are fully engaged in the BEST mentoring program retain new educators at a four percentage-point higher rate than school districts who do not use the program, according to a study published this month by the University of Washington (UW) College of Education’s Center of Teaching and Policy.”
-Superintendent Chris Reykdal

Standards for Beginning Educator Induction

Effective support for Beginning Educators.

Washington State Standards for Mentoring

A tool to guide mentors in self-assessment and reflection.

Events & Trainings

Free opportunities for mentors and induction leaders to build and strengthen their knowledge to support novice educators.

Grant Information

Competitive grants are awarded to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), district consortia, and Educational Service Districts (ESDs) when funds are made available by the Legislature.

Resources