(a) “Beginning teacher” means a teacher who:

(i) Possesses a teaching license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development;

(ii) Is employed at least half time, primarily as a classroom teacher, by a school district; and

(iii) Has taught fewer than ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred eighty (180) days total, as a licensed teacher in any public school.

(b) “District” means any local school district.

(c) “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.

(d) “Mentor teacher” means a teacher who:

(i) Possesses a standard teaching personnel service or administrative license issued by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development;

(ii) 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;

(iii) Has successfully taught for three (3) or more years as a licensed teacher in any public school;

(iv) Has been selected and trained as described in Section 37-9-211; and

(v) Has demonstrated mastery of teaching skills and subject matter knowledge.

(e) “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.