Wiki: Mentoring

PURPOSE of Mentoring

To promote an individual’s  awareness and refinement of his or her own professional development by providing and recommending structured opportunities for reflection and observation

DEFINING FEATURES of Mentoring

Scope

Typically mentors are internal to the program and are formally paired with colleagues with similar roles who have less experience and competence and who seek to develop professional dispositions, knowledge, and skills

Framework

Regular, focused, and systematic conversations and activities between two professionals for the purpose of new teacher induction (and retention), career enhancement (creating leadership) and/or professional development (capacity building)

Strategies

Draws upon a variety of approaches that challenge and support the mentee’s planning ability, practice, and reflection including a discussion framework, portfolio development, observation and coaching, readings and discussion, and prescribed training

EXAMPLES of Mentoring from the EARLY CHILDHOOD FIELD

As part of peer mentoring program, an experienced early childhood teacher serves as a mentor to a new teacher in her program. The mentor-teacher and her mentee meet weekly to process the teaching experience, to reflect on goals for improvement, and to engage in problem-solving. Mentor observations of classroom teaching and the development of a teaching portfolio provide context for the discussions. Each person gains new insights and perspectives through a collaboration relationship and regular meetings.