Mentor Connect

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What is a Millennial?

by Jenny Combs on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 4:35am
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Many of the beginning teachers we work with fall into a group called the “millennials”.   This group of people has grown up with technology and it’s an integrated part of their lives. There are some other interesting trends and thoughts about this new generation.  As we work with new teachers who are part of this generation – it’s helpful if we have a perspective of their possible mindset.

Summer Professional Development?

by Jenny Combs on Tue, 06/08/2010 - 12:07pm
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What are your favorite summer professional development courses?  Tell us about them!

Reflection on the School Year

by Jenny Combs on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 5:32am
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Our director Ellen Moir writes in her article, "The Phases of First Year Teachers"

I'm moving?

by Jenny Combs on Tue, 05/18/2010 - 5:04am
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A first year teacher, Joe, got a second contract offer, but with that offer he will have to move to another school that has a reputation for kids that are high at-risk and low teacher retention.

He is in a panicked about the change and is asking you, does he have to go?  He had an overwhelming first year and doesn't feel like moving to this school would be a good idea.

What advice and support could you give him as his mentor?

Pink Slipped!

by Jenny Combs on Wed, 04/28/2010 - 5:17am
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Across the nation, we are hearing about teachers losing their teaching positions due to budget cuts.  Many of these lay offs are the beginning teachers with whom we work. 

What do you do to keep things positive and upbeat when they are panicked about finding a new job?

How do I start induction in my school district?

by Jenny Combs on Fri, 04/23/2010 - 6:51am
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Many veteran and beginning teachers already know that value of mentoring, but they just can't find a way to get their school districts to buy into the idea of a formal mentoring program.

Share your ideas or ideas on how to start a mentoring program in a school district.

What I which I could discuss with my beginning teacher.....

by Jenny Combs on Fri, 04/23/2010 - 5:13am
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It's hard to bring up a subject when you're not sure that the beginning teacher is willing to discuss the issue, so dream a little...

What question(s) or help would you LIKE your beginning teacher to ask you? 

Teaching is going "fine"

by Jenny Combs on Wed, 04/07/2010 - 4:33am
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Many of us started a conversation with beginning teachers and asked, "So how are things going for you?" 

Only to hear a long pause, and then, "Everything is fine."

What do you say or do next?  Share your favorite conversation starters, follow up questions or strategies that you have found to be effective with your beginning teachers.

How do mentors develop over time?

by Lynn Kepp on Fri, 03/05/2010 - 8:27am
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Susan Hanson's article on Mentor professional development  made me reflect on my professional development as a mentor over time.  As I thought back over the years, my personal experiences followed the development she described in her article.  This made me wonder- what do others think about this topic.  I have attached the article and would love to hear what others think

What does mentoring influence look like?

by Jenny Combs on Thu, 02/04/2010 - 3:10pm
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Share an experience:

  • How has your work as a mentor impacted a beginning teacher's practice? 
  • How has your collaboration impacted the beginning teacher's students?

 

Networking with other Mentors - Introductions

by Jenny Combs on Thu, 01/28/2010 - 1:43pm
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Do you want to network with other mentors - across the nation and world?

Would you like to hear what other mentors are doing?

If you would like, please do a brief introduction of yourself:

  • Tell us where you are from and what type of mentoring "gig" you have - full release to mentor?  part time?  volunteer?  after school?  online?
  • What experiences brought you into this role?
  • Why are you passionate about mentoring beginning teachers?