Asked & Answered

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

The question was, "I have a new principal who has never been a principal or assistant principal before. How do I sign them up for the BAI program?" A typical question for this time of the year as new building and central office administrators are being hired for the coming school year.

A first-year administrator with no prior experience as an administrator is required to receive mentoring/ induction support for his or her first three years of employment. The Beginning Administrator Induction (BAI) and first year of mentoring support are provided in partnership with the DESE and the AAEA. Upon hiring new administrators, school districts must register the following:

• First-year administrators (excluding superintendents):

• Principal

• Assistant Principal

• Curriculum Administrator

• Special Education Administrator

• Administrators from out-of-state with previous experience; and

• Administrators returning to the profession

Regarding the second and third years of the program, beginning administrators in years 2-3 do not need to register for the induction program. These individuals will continue to be supported through DESE, AAEA, the education service cooperatives, and their school districts, but their training requirements have been met.

For more details on the program and to register see Commissioner's Memo LIC-24-009

Also, here are the requirements of the BAI program.

If you have questions for Mike, email him at m.mertens@theaaea.org.