Mentoring Newsletter
A guide to working with mentees at your school site
April 16-30
Hello, BPS mentors.
We have entered one of our busiest times of the school year, for sure. Thank you for not only keeping up your own energy and motivation during this incredible school year but encouraging your new teachers to rock it to the finish line!
Some important dates:
- April 19: Open transfer date begins for all teachers who have been reappointed for next year. Teachers need to establish a transfer account in BEACON in order to apply for positions during the open transfer window. Teachers also must inform their principals of their interest in looking for other locations. It is not necessary, to notify the division of Leading & Learning.
- May 10: Priority schools will advertise their openings for the next school year. Open to all applicants.
- May 17: Openings will be published for all schools. Open to all applicants.
May 20: Final date on which all Mentor Logs, Induction Agreements, and Early Exit Forms are due to Lisa Stanley at ESF. Paperwork must be sent via courier -- NOT SCANNED in an email. Also, copies must be kept for five years at the school.
Suggestions for your area of focus right now:
1. Personal: Listen carefully to what your mentees say and what they don’t say regarding what they are thinking and feeling right now. If they sound negative or “down and out,” avoid telling them they are wrong or are over-reacting. Instead, ask, “Given that you feel/think that and given our current reality, what might you do about it?” Help them problem-solve.
2. Professional: Respond, as appropriate, to the final evaluation report that new teachers are beginning to receive along with information about their employment for the following school year. For teachers who received effective evaluations, provide guidance in thinking about their professional goals for the following year and help them identify professional development opportunities for the summer. Should any new teachers not be rehired for the following year, respond professionally and privately. Do not discuss such matters with other staff members. Offer support to anyone being dismissed so that they can maintain their dignity and finish the school year providing as strong an instructional program as they possibly can.
3. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Identify the concepts and information that students have not yet mastered and discuss how to revisit and reteach those concepts while extending and enriching the learning of those who have already mastered those concepts.
4. Organizational Systems: Coach new teachers in systems for organizing their teaching materials so that they can easily access them next year.
5. Students: Spring fever can be an issue right now for both students and staff. Discuss with your new teachers how to recognize and celebrate the bursts of energy students display and how to channel it into active, meaningful learning experiences.
6. Colleagues: Remind new teachers that not everything on the Internet is created equal. Anyone can write a blog or put up a website. Many of the so-called “free” resources are not much more than advertisements for programs or products. Likewise, advise them that some lesson plans and strategies posted by digital colleagues are not vetted and may, in fact, not be best practice at all.
7. School Systems: Issues mentors need to monitor include standardized testing adjustments, grading, graduation, promotions, registration, payroll, and contracts for the upcoming school year. There may be quite a few questions your mentees have in these areas.
8. Parents and Community: Explain that many parents believe that teachers are knowledgeable about decisions and directives about which they know little. Advise the new teachers to be specific when directing families to other sources when they are asked questions for which they do not have answers.
*Special Educators: Provide guidance on how to plan for transition of students between buildings and programs for the upcoming school year.
As always, thank you so much for all you do. You are the Heart of Brevard! 💚
- Bridget Reed
reed.bridget@brevardschools.org
Breakdown and suggestions taken from Paula Rutherford's Just Ask Publications
*********************************************************************
⭐⭐⭐Mentor/Mentee Spotlight ⭐⭐⭐
"Megan Smith is a fantastic mentor and has been a great support for me in the classroom. Teaching Eureka Math was new to me and Megan has been very helpful with answering questions I have had on how to deliver specific instructions for lessons. She has also supported me personally to develop better as a teacher through our collaboration. One of the areas we have worked together is in handling classroom behaviors through CHAMPS. Through our collaborative meetings, I have gotten stronger in developing clear and specific expectations, building strong relationships in the classroom, and incorporating other trainings I've learned throughout the year. I am very thankful for having the opportunity to have Megan as my mentor!"
First year teacher, Garrett Keith
Endeavour Elementary School
"Mr. Keith is an amazing new member on our Endeavour Elementary team! He has jumped right into learning the Eureka Math curriculum and is on his way to becoming a well-rounded 5th grade Math and Science teacher. He uses many strategies such as restorative practices, CHAMPS and least invasive strategies to help build relationships with his students as well as providing a positive learning environment. Additionally, Garrett has jumped right into being a mentor to many young men within our school. This mentorship has helped some of our most struggling students become successful scholars within our school this year."
School-based Mentor, Megan Smith
Endeavour Elementary School
Awesome job, Megan and Garrett!
*********************************************************************
Mentors, please share this flyer with your first-year teachers! We want to celebrate their hard work!
*********************************************************************
***************👏🏻 SAVE-The-date👏🏻*************** lead mentor celebration, May 10, *******5:00 - 7:00 PM*******
We will be acknowledging and celebrating your strong efforts in supporting your school's mentoring program with a wonderful dinner at ESF. Additionally, several district mentoring programs will be showcased to share and spark ideas for next year. ProGOE information will be forthcoming via email and registration opens the week of April 19. We will see you there!