Characteristics and Responsibilities of a Mentor

Mentoring is unique to each pair.

It is based on the NEEDS of the beginning teacher!

Good Mentors are:

*willing and available

*good people

*model professionals

*in similar teaching positions

* located in close proximity to the beginning teacher

Mentors help the Beginning Teacher to:

*learn about the complex job of teaching

*feel good about teaching

*help reduce the workload

*become part of the school community

Mentors Accomplish this by:

*listening and talking

*sharing materials

*offering helpful hints

*giving time

*acting as a model

*serving as a broker for information and resources

*responding to questions

*providing feedback

*planning cooperatively

*assisting in problem solving

Beginning Teachers' Main Concerns are:

*classroom management

*instruction

*students

*parents and parent conferences

*school contexts

*personal needs

If you have questions related to this website please contact:

Dr. Peggy Schimmoeller, Associate Professor of Education
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
2500 Rivermont Ave.
Lynchburg, Va. 24503