Staff Development- Mentor Resources

Mentor Selection & Qualifications:

When a new staff member begins his/her employment with The Vanguard School, a mentor will be selected by the building principal and the program supervisor for the appropriate unit. Mentors will be chosen based on their ability to:

• Show a personal commitment to the induction process and continuing professional development.
• Demonstrate outstanding skills within their area of responsibility as well as an understanding of the individuality of our students’ strengths, needs, styles, and differences.
• Have the ability to motivate, coach, and work cooperatively with others.
• Exhibit effective communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Possess exceptional personal and professional characteristics.

In addition, mentors will have worked at The Vanguard School for at least 2 full years in a position similar to the inductee’s position and, if required, hold permanent certification, advanced degrees, and/or licensure in the inductee’s field.

Responsibilities:

By accepting the role of a mentor, it is agreed that you will:

• Meet with the inductee at least once a week to continue the explanation of school policies and procedures, and familiarize the inductee with school facilities, materials & curriculum, required reports, requisition forms, and other documents, and other resources available on campus and in the region.
• Arrange at least two opportunities during the school year for the inductee to observe you or another appropriate staff member.
• Observe your inductee at least 3 times during the school year and provide constructive feedback.
• On a quarterly basis, apprise the induction coordinator of the inductee’s progress and any concerns you may have.
• Serve as a role model for the inductee.

Observations:

Each Mentor will schedule three observations of their inductee in his/her classroom or other appropriate setting during the school year. Each observation should be scheduled in advance and if possible, be for an entire 30-minute or 45-minute period. The mentor will complete the Inductee Feedback Form and schedule a follow-up meeting with the inductee to provide constructive feedback. After the mentor and inductee have met, the Inductee Feedback Form should be forwarded to the Director of Staff Development.

PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of these observations is to encourage teamwork and provide optimal learning experiences for our students. These observations are not intended to be a part of, or a replacement for, the formal performance review process conducted by the inductee’s supervisor.

For staff members who begin their employment in September, observations should be conducted during the following timeframes:

Observation #1 will be conducted in October

Observation #2 will be conducted in January or February

Observation #3 will be conducted in April or May

This schedule will be adjusted for staff members who begin their employment after the start of the school year.