How to Mentor First Year Teachers
Many school districts provide mentors for beginning teachers. A mentoring program assists novice teachers in becoming acclimated to their job and the classroom. When they have questions or need assistance, they have an experienced teacher who can help them. Open communication between the mentor and the beginning teacher also allows the novice to delve into why a lesson did or did not go well. Experienced teachers can also provide advice about interacting with parents, administration and students. According to Southwest educational developmental laboratory, mentoring programs can also help reduce the traditionally high attrition rate of beginning teachers who leave the field within the first few years. Therefore, a proper procedure for mentoring new teachers is important.
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Instructions
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Create clear standards for mentor teachers. Becoming a mentor teacher is an important leadership position, and the district should feel confident that the mentor has the ability and experience to perform the job well. The mentor teacher must be aware of his responsibilities and should be willing to fulfill them.
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Conduct an orientation for mentors and novice teachers. This should provide beginning teachers with an overview of the program, explain its purpose and set forth the responsibilities of the parties. Mentors or administration should also provide novice teachers with a school handbook, a school map, mentor contact information and other documents that may be helpful.
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Schedule one-on-one meetings with the mentor and novice teacher. Regularly scheduled meetings with a mentor will give the novice teacher time to consult with his mentor and obtain suggestions that will help the new teacher perform his job more competently. These meetings also facilitate open communication to strengthen their relationship and make both parties feel comfortable with each other.
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Include developmental programs as part of the mentoring program. These can highlight issues that beginning teachers face and can help identify solutions. They can also provide novice teachers with an opportunity to share from the personal experiences with the classroom and their mentors. For example, assistance with classroom management and technology make it easier for new teachers to instruct efficiently.
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Tips & Warnings
Schools can consult with mentors and teachers individually to make sure the mentoring program is meeting the needs of the parties and the school.
Monitor any noticeable results of the mentor program, so it can be improved. For example, survey mentors or teachers about the program.
Teaching requirements may change, depending on state standards and school policies. Therefore, mentoring programs can get stale, and schools may need to modify them periodically.
Not every experienced teacher may be appropriate as a mentor. Schools should make sure mentor teachers have the desire and ability to perform the job.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
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Comments
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There is more to being an effective mentor to a new teacher then these snippets suggest. One such element is training mentors in the vital strategies of developing trusting relationships, using appropriate communication skills, assessing needs and learning styles, coaching, guiding, and supporting.
