Mentor Training: 2 days face-to-face + online discussions Dates: Wednesday, September 30 and Friday, October 16
Location: University Center
Mentor Refresher: for those already trained as a mentor Date: Wednesday, September 30
Location: University Center
The purpose of the North Carolina mentor program is to assist beginning teachers through the induction phase of teaching. To reach this goal, the skills of mentors must be enhanced to successfully help beginning teachers with the difficult transition from “students of teaching” to “teachers of students.” Under the current state system, mentors must demonstrate three years of successful teaching experiences, hold a continuing license, and complete a mentor-training program.
According to North Carolina State Board Policy, approved February 2004, mentor-training programs “must place emphasis on the learning of cognitive concepts, as well as the application of these concepts, in appropriate educational settings.” Western’s program is based on the NC Mentor Standards and includes training in the North Carolina Teacher Appraisal Instrument, the Individual Growth Plan (IGP), and licensure requirements. A field experience is required, providing an opportunity to apply concepts learned. “Instructionally-focused walk-through” training also is incorporated in our program to provide mentors with strategies to improve the instruction of their mentees. The Center and SUTEP provide this training each fall for teachers who have never been trained as a mentor.
Western also offers a mentor refresher workshop for those who have had the full training program, but would like an update to the mentoring process. This one-day workshop is held each fall on the campus of Western Carolina University.
As part of the Online Support Program, e-mentor training is provided for public school teachers and university faculty members. The anticipated time requirement is 10–15 hours/week, for two weeks. This two-week online training session focuses on introducing e-mentors to the CSBT portal and exploring strategies for engaging beginning teachers in an online environment. Teachers and faculty members interested in participating in the online support program should review the e-mentor information.
The strength of a mentor and a mentoring program is the individual's commitment to an active role in the development of a successful professional for the future.
For your convenience, an online registration form is provided for the current Mentor Training and Mentor Refresher courses.
Photo: Swain County teacher and CSBT e-mentor Rich Harvey works with a student in the classroom.