Some additional common characteristics of and criteria for selecting mentor teachers are: a clearly articulated vision of teaching and learning, knowledge of content, accomplished curriculum developer, professional interests, expressed educational philosophies, and compatible personalities (1986; Feiman-Nemser, 1996; Tillman, 2000). Awareness and facility with mentoring processes are seldom among selection criteria, but are often handled through mentor training mechanisms." Mullinix, 2002) Orientation is based on the five phrases of Ellen Moir's which characterize first-year teacher experiences which are:
1) Anticipation
2) Survival
3) Disillusionment
4) Rejuvenation
5) Reflection
The inclusion of mentoring program in a school is that which shows a clear commitment to students and staff and to traditional values of excellence. Confirmation of the importance of leadership, performance of staff and of a "robust and supportive collegiate community." (SOF Web, 2004)
Skills needed by mentors are:
Always have values-driven purpose
Be aware of the emotional and strategic landscape
Always be responsible
Always be flexible
Conclusion
Mentors are very important to those who are considered to be new in their position or 'rookies'. Mentoring is to be valued by those who are lucky enough to be participative in a mentoring relationship and this provides value to the school and the community as well as to the individuals in the mentoring process.
Works...
(2004) Veteran Teachers in City Schools Help Colleagues Sharpen Skills. Education; New York Times 2004 Nov 1 Online available at [http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/01/education/01teach.html?ex=116129600&en=7dc914ee5e7632c1&e...]
Mullinix, Bonnie B. (2002) Recruiting and Selecting Mentors ED477728 2002-12-00 ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education Washington DC. Online available at [http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/pd/tchdev/tchmentors.htm]
Darling-Hammond, L. (1996). The quiet revolution: Rethinking teacher development. Educational Leadership, 53(4), 4-10.
Feiman-Nemser, S. (1996). Teacher mentoring: A critical review. ERIC Digests. Washington, DC: ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education. ED 397-060.
Hirsch, E. (2001). Teacher recruitment: Staffing classrooms with quality teachers. Denver, CO: State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO). ED 453 199
Mauer, E., & Zimmerman, E. (2000). Mentoring new teachers. Principal, 79(3), 26-8.
Nichols, B.W., & Singer, K.P. (2000). Developing data mentors. Educational Leadership, 57(5), 34-7.
Purdue, P. (1986). Teacher mentoring. ERIC Digests. Washington, DC: ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education. ED 271 447
Teacher Mentoring: (2002) a booklet for Mentors and Mentorees, Knowledge & Skills State of Victoria, Department of Education and Training Online available at: [http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/pd/tchdev/docs/tchmnt/M&M.pdf
Mentor's Responsibility
