Section 4: Mentors...an Initial
Educator's Best Friend
Reflective thinking turns experience into insight. — John
Maxwell
Wisconsin law states that Initial Educators shall be provided with
a qualified
mentor by the employing school district. The mentoring period may be
for less
than five years.
Ideally, your mentor will be assigned and introduced to you before the
school year
begins. Your mentor is your information resource, advisor, and support
system. Your
mentor is NOT an evaluator. All conversations with your mentor are considered
confidential. If for any reason you are not comfortable with your mentor
you have
the right to request a different mentor.
Working with Your Mentor
- Schedule a regular time to meet without distractions.
- Work with your mentor to develop your classroom management plan.
He or she should be able to affirm or give advice on ways to enhance
your plan.
- Ask your mentor to read your lesson plans and provide feedback.
- Ask to observe other teachers from whom you can gain ideas and strategies
for instruction and classroom management. Your mentor can help arrange
these observations.
- Be open to what your mentor has to say. You are not obligated to
follow the advice but do not hesitate to ask for help. It is NOT a
sign of weakness.
- Observe your mentor and have him or her observe you. Ask him or
her to focus on one or two techniques or issues on which you want
advice.
- Keep a journal or log with dates and topics discussed with your
mentor. This will be a great tool to assess your growth.
- Ask your mentor to assist you in developing your Professional Development
Plan for license renewal.
- Let your mentor know that you appreciate his or her assistance.
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Next: Professional Development...It's About You
and Your Career
