Mentoring
Basics |
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| Types of Mentoring The mentoring relationship may be formal or informal. Some districts use formal mentoring programs that pair mentors with new teachers and provide training for a set period of time. Informal mentoring relationships in which a veteran teacher helps support a new teacher can develop naturally among teachers within schools. |
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| Mentoring offers many benefits—for both mentees and mentors and for the students they teach! In addition to developing an ongoing, trusting relationship, mentees and mentors benefit in many ways. |
| • | Access to an experienced teacher who can offer helpful suggestions and insight |
| • | Support in adjusting to a new role and new place |
| • | Helpful, tested ideas for classroom management |
| • | Regular meetings with someone who understands what it’s like to be new |
| • | A trusted sounding board for lesson plans, classroom management, and more |
| • | A confidential relationship in which concerns and problems can be expressed |
| • | Help from a professional committed to the teacher’s professional and personal growth and success |
| • | An increased sense of support and an increased professional network |
| • | Developing increased skills for professional development |
| • | Increasing the mentor’s professional network |
| • | Additional responsibility and career growth |
| • | Greater understanding of what teaching is like for new teachers today |
| • | The satisfaction of “giving back” from the mentor’s own experience and training |
| • | Developing skills as a leader in education |
| • | An enhanced understanding of effective and successful teaching practices |
| • | Rediscovery of techniques that can bring energy and creativity to the mentor’s classroom |
| • | Ability to share insight and experience as a mentor with others in professional development and training |
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| Each mentoring relationship is unique, providing the resources, knowledge, and experience that individual teachers need. Mentors can provide support and resources for growth in many ways. Here are some possibilities: |
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Giving information related to procedures, guidelines, and the expectations of the school district |
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Collecting, disseminating, or locating materials or other resources |
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Giving information about teaching strategies or the instructional process |
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Offering support by listening empathically and sharing experiences |
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Giving guidance and ideas related to discipline and managing students |
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Offering information about organizing and planning the school day |
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Helping to arrange, organize, or analyze the physical setting of the classroom |
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Modeling teaching while the new teacher observes |
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Providing feedback on the beginning teacher’s performance |
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Giving help or ideas related to conferencing or working with parents |
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Asking questions and posing problems |
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Sharing expertise, ideas, materials, and information |
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Helping the new teacher become familiar with the performance criteria for effective teaching and learning |
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Meeting regularly with the new teacher during the year |
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Being accessible through e-mail and by phone |
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Assisting the new teacher in assimilating to the school culture and in developing relationships |
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Helping the new teacher become a successful member of the school and district |
