As used in Sections 37-9-201 through 37-9-213:
"Beginning teacher" means a teacher who:
Possesses a teaching license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development;
Is employed at least half time, primarily as a classroom teacher, by a school district; and
Has taught fewer than ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred eighty (180) days total, as a licensed teacher in any public school.
"District" means any local school district.
"Formal assistance" means a program provided by a mentor teacher to a beginning teacher that includes, but is not limited to, direct classroom observation and consultation; assistance in instructional planning and preparation; support in implementation and delivery of classroom instruction; and other assistance intended to enhance the professional performance and development of the beginning teacher.
"Mentor teacher" means a teacher who:
Possesses a standard teaching personnel service or administrative license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development;
At the time of selection, is employed under contract primarily as a classroom teacher by a public school district or is retired from a public school district;
Has successfully taught for three (3) or more years as a licensed teacher in any public school;
Has been selected and trained as described in Section 37-9-211; and
Has demonstrated mastery of teaching skills and subject matter knowledge.
"Teacher" means a licensed employee of a local school district who has direct responsibility for instruction, coordination of educational programs or supervision of teachers and who is compensated for services from public funds.