The Ken-Ton Mentor Program

1. The Ken-Ton Mentor Program “Not the sage on the stage, just the guide on the side.”

2. Major Roles of a Mentor • Provide Feedback • Observations • Lend Support • Classroom assistance • Document Progress • Written Assessments

3. Mentor Selection Process • Candidates take the mentoring course offered through the KSDC • Interested candidates complete an application • The Mentor Policy Board interviews the candidates

4. Chairperson Teacher Chairperson Administrator Teacher Teacher Administrator Administrator Kenmore Mentor Policy Board Teacher Teacher Administrator

5. Confidentiality

6. Mentor Program Flow Chart Phase I (Year 1) Assigned A Mentor New Teacher Hired No No Completion of Phase II criteria Phase II (Year 2) Recommendation To Phase II Yes Yes Phase Out Tenure Independence Year 3

7. Mentor Program Umbrella Policy Explain School Culture Extra Pair of Hands Gather Materials Model Lessons Liason Visitations Share Knowledge • Support • Guide • Self Confidence Offer Practical Advice Co-Teach Set Goals Introduce New Strategies Listen Curriculum Put Out Fires Encourage Professional Growth

8. September through October Mentorsmeet with principals • Visit Classrooms • class arrangements • student concerns • procedures • schedules • provide feedback Trust Building

9. The Assessment Process November New Teachers Complete Probes For Mentors Mentors Discuss Progress of Teachers with Principals Mentors Write Assessments Based On Essential Competencies Mentor Shares The Assessment With the Teacher Assessments are due to the Mentor Policy Board on December 1st and April 1st.

10. Essential Competencies • Use of effective instructional techniques 2. Knowledge of subject matter 3. Classroom management • Professional skills and responsibilities

11. December through March Mentors continue their daily responsibilities Explain School Culture Extra Pair of Hands Gather Materials Model Lessons Liason Visitations Share Knowledge Offer Practical Advice Co-Teach Set Goals Introduce New Strategies Listen Curriculum Put Out Fires Encourage Professional Growth

12. April The Assessment Process New Teachers Complete Probes For Mentors Mentors Discuss Progress of Teachers with Principals • Mentors Write • Assessments Based on • Essential Competencies Mentor Shares The Assessment With the Teacher A second assessment is due to the Mentor Policy Board on April 1st.

13. May through JuneContinue visits, plus. . . Help Review for Exams Assist with Classroom Housekeeping Chaperone Field Trips Plan for Next Year

14. Year 2 • It may be necessary to remain in Phase I for an additional semester if a major change of assignment occurs. -Your mentor will help you through the transition. • Otherwise, teacher moves to Phase II.

15. First Semester of Phase II • Mentors continue to visit classrooms but instead of once a week, the visits become an equivalent of once a month.

16. Second semester – Phase II • Mentors facilitate small groups of teachers who meet in collegial circles.

17. Groups meet to share ideas, suggestions, and provide support.

18. Roles of each Phase II group: • Visit each participant’s classroom – teach and observe, share feedback • Research and share professional articles of interest • Share techniques that work in your classroom

19. The ultimate goal of your mentor is YOUR SUCCESS!

20. INTERVENTION The program provide an avenue intended to lend support to tenured teachers that may be experiencing difficulties.