Show Notes:

The goal of a mentor:

help teacher becomes best/effective new teacher

Be a sounding board for the teacher

Brainstorm and problem solve with the teacher

Allow the teacher to reflect on their classroom by taking a step back

A mentor is a sounding board and active listener.

JNTP (Jewish New Teacher Project) has outlined ways to support teachers as a mentor. They provide a ‘cheat sheet’ for ways to respond and language to use when mentoring teachers! (i.e. “selective scripting” and “entry points”)

You want teachers to feel comfortable and take risks! Make sure the mentor/mentee relationship is not too interwoven outside of the mentorship.

Who can be a mentor at JNTP?

Any effective teacher that has been teaching for at least five years.

How do teachers who want to mentor or need a mentor sign up with JNTP?

Ask your administrator/director if you need a mentor! (govt. funding is available if your program can’t afford)

Tell you administrator/director you’d like to apply as a mentor if qualified and they will sign you up!

All of the skills are helpful in any leadership role. Bottom line: when teachers don’t get the support they need, they leave teaching and we need good teachers.

Resources:

Jewish New Teacher Project

Our Sponsors:

Playground

JUF