Mentorship Experience
Identifying Potential Mentors. The first step in setting up a mentoring experience is finding a
K-12 teacher who is willing to take on the responsibility of mentoring a candidate. Many school
districts have a system established to identify possible mentors.
Mentor Selection
Mentors are skilled teachers who are interested in working with people and are willing to share
their expertise. They have high standards for those they will be mentoring. All school-based mentors
will need to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of five (5) years satisfactory teaching experience in Minnesota public schools.
- Master of pedagogical and subject matter skills.
- Extensive knowledge of the Minnesota academic standards.
- Evidence of excellent interpersonal relationship qualities.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing standards-based instruction.
- Exemplary knowledge about of content, materials and methods that support high standards in
various curricular areas.
- Demonstrated capacity to serve as a catalyst for implementing instructional change in the classroom.
- Demonstrated understanding and experience in addressing the complexities of classroom life.
- Demonstrated skill in team building and group dynamics.
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Evidence of technological skills in word processing, internet and email usage.
- Willingness to undergo additional training during the summer and throughout the year, as well as
to travel to Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Preferred Criteria
- Knowledge of the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, and Charlotte Daniels four domains.
- Fluency in regulations, policies and practices relative to content area.
- Knowledge of staff development practices and in-service education.
- Record of cooperative and collaborative projects with staff/adults/administration.
- Knowledge and training in video streaming, teaching on-line, Desire 2 Learn.
Future Considerations
In certain cases, mentors may also be asked to serve as adjunct faculty for college/university
requiring that the individual hold a Master's degree.
Background Checks
Because of the personal nature of the school-based mentor/candidate relationship, it is necessary
to take precautions to ensure safety. A complete a criminal background and character reference check on
each school-based mentor will need to be completed or supplied prior to assigning the candidate to the mentor.
