We believe that mentoring is a critical part of comprehensive induction and our work together will emphasize the following key messages:
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The success of the beginning teacher is the responsibility of all of the staff at the school
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Well-designed mentoring and induction is essentially excellent staff development
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Effective mentoring and induction programs inherently work to transform the culture of the whole school
Goals of the Training
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To identify and understand the needs, phases and stages of development of new/novice teachers in order to provide effective mentoring support
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To understand the roles, characteristics and styles of effective mentors and develop the capacity to employ them in a variety of contexts and situations
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To learn techniques for building a collegial relationship where trust, feedback, and dialogue fuel learning and growth
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To enhance the ability of mentors to diagnose new teachers’ struggles and effectively support them in problem-solving
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Refine strategies for supporting new teachers’ lesson planning skills
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Diagnose and solve planning and management problems
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To strengthen differential conferencing skills, including establishing trust and rapport; communicating effectively; delivering negative information; supporting reflective practice in the beginning teacher
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Reinforce the importance of reflection and active questioning
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To promote collegiality and interdependence that contributes to the development of a professional learning community
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Support new teachers as they develop relationships and allies in the school
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Understand when and how to develop and support the new teacher’s ability to mediate and advocate for for themselves in difficult situations
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To consider the current climate of education in MA as well as ongoing state initiatives, and the potential implications for the new/novice teacher
- Teacher: Jennifer Antonucci