As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

            (1) “Board” means the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

            (2) “Department” means the state Department of Education.

            (3) “Mentor” means any teacher qualified and selected pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. 17:3774 and who associates with and assists another teacher for the purpose of aiding his professional growth.

            (4) “New teacher” means any full time employee of a city or parish school board who is engaged to and does directly provide instruction to students, who holds a valid regular Louisiana teaching certificate, and who is engaged in his first year of teaching.

            (5) “Program” means the Professional Growth Program created in this Chapter.

            (6) “System” means any or the appropriate city or parish school board.

            Acts 1986, No. 713, §1; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1.