Frequently Asked Questions
A: Beginning teachers will qualify if they (a) have three or less years of experience teaching special education, (b) teach at least one student with autism in an elementary-level classroom, and (c) work in a high-needs school or district. Mentor teachers will qualify if they (a) have five or more years of experience teaching students with autism in an elementary-level special education classroom, (b) work in a high-needs school or district, and (c) are recommended by school or district leaders as an exemplary teacher.
A: There are multiple opportunities to receive a stipend for participating in Project STAY.
First, if you are a beginning teacher and participate in a classroom observation during Year 1 (2021-2022), you will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
Second, teachers, administrators, and district specialists who participate in a focus group in Year 1 (2021-2022 school year), will receive $150 and be reimbursed mileage for travel to and from the focus group.
Third, teachers who participate in the STAY induction program during Year 3 (2023-2024 school year) or Year 4 (2024-2025 school year) will receive $1,000, distributed at a rate of $250 for every two months that you participate in the study.
A: No. You can choose to participate in only Year 1, only Year 3, Years 1 and 3, or only Year 4.
A: If you are a beginning teacher, you will receive mentoring from a mentor teacher, attend trainings, participate in a teacher network, and complete pre-and-post-study measures, and provide feedback in interviews (interviews are part of Year 3 only).
If you are a mentor teacher, you will provide mentoring to a beginning teacher, attend trainings, complete pre- and post-study measures, and provide feedback in interviews (interviews are part of Year 3 only). Both beginning and mentor teachers who participate in Year 3 or Year 4 of the study will receive a $1,000 stipend.
A: Our research team will do our best to maintain your confidentiality; however, your principal, district leaders, and other teachers may know that you are participating in the study. Project STAY staff will not share any identifying information about you in publications or presentations without your prior consent.
A: Upon request, participating teachers and school/district leaders will receive a copy of findings from Project STAY.