14. a. A board of education shall implement a researched-based mentoring program that pairs effective, experienced teachers with first-year teachers to provide observation and feedback, opportunities for modeling, and confidential support and guidance in accordance with the Professional Standards for Teachers and the evaluation rubric.

b. The mentoring program shall: enhance teacher knowledge of, and strategies related to, the core curriculum content standards in order to facilitate student achievement and growth; identify exemplary teaching skills and educational practices necessary to acquire and maintain excellence in teaching; and assist first-year teachers in the performance of their duties and adjustment to the challenges of teaching. To the greatest extent feasible, mentoring activities shall be developed in consultation with the school improvement panels established pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2012, c.26 (C. 18A:6-120) in order to be responsive to the unique needs of different teachers in different instructional settings.

L.2012, c.26, s.14.