MENTORING

Mentoring New Teachers...

“The term mentor originated in classic Greek mythology when Mentor, a wise teacher, was asked by his friend Odysseus to watch over his precious son, Telemachus, as he embarked on a lengthy voyage. As a surrogate parent, Mentor gave support, love, guidance, protection and blessing to the young child until the return of his father.”

- From Mentoring: the TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom

"When mentors are well-selected, well-trained, and given the time to work intensively with new teachers, they not only help average teachers become good, but good teachers become great."

–Dara Barlin, Education Week

KESD believes…

Strong mentoring programs for new teachers leads to both greater teacher retention and student learning. Mentoring also provides an avenue to use master teachers in leadership roles, and provide ongoing professional learning on skills such as questioning techniques, analyzing student work, and reflective practice.

Building a strong cadre of mentors and mentor leaders is a lengthy process involving several years. 

Resources:

• KESD Mentor Mentee Handbook
• KESD Mentor Resources Website