With the possible exception of the Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty, no individual is more critical to a mentorship than the individual school-based mentor. Although the nature of the relationship varies depending on the experience, it is this individual who is best qualified to help candidates understand the opportunities and insight into becoming an effective teacher. Mentors will be provided with clarification regarding candidate and school expectations. All school-based mentors will participate in a formal training program offered through Minnesota State University, Mankato. During this time clear guidelines will be established so all candidates are treated equally and learn in a non-judgmental constructivist environment.
Mentoring, can be highly rewarding, but requires a firm commitment and significant effort outside of day to day responsibilities of teaching. Specifically, mentors should be willing and able to:
Mentors must be thoroughly prepared for the mentoring experience. To ensure this all mentors will complete a five-day training session during the summer on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. They will be provided information on the following:
School-based mentors will need to understand their legal responsibilities and potential liabilities including discrimination and sexual harassment laws.
Mentors will need to be aware of the unique challenges of communicating and working with candidates and MSU faculty via the internet.
Mentors will need to be aware of the unique challenges of communicating and working with candidates and MSU faculty via the internet.
Checklist items might include: arranging meeting times, planning with MSU faculty or program coordinator to insure that academic requirements are met, signing mentorship agreements, arranging observational times and classroom visits as appropriate, and preparing information for candidates about school policies and procedures.
Forms on which the school-based mentor will periodically evaluate candidate performance will be provided. Candidates should be evaluated on a variety of criteria which may include:
– use of tools and equipment
– quality of work
– professional appearance
– technical skills
– initiative
– quantity of work
– maturity
– safety practices
– attendance
– dependability
– relations with co-workers
– communication skills
School-based mentors must be trained in how to effectively evaluate and guide candidates in MN TAPP. Training includes the "hows" and "whys" of setting a knowledge/performance base to facilitate student learning and the mastery of the teaching profession. In addition, school-based mentors will need to be trained in how to access appropriate resources in the development and implementation of working with an MSU candidate.
