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Unique Variation
of "Mentor" Selection: Selecting
and Matching Guide Teachers
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© 1992, Barry Sweeny
In the section of this web site concerning mentors'
roles and tasks, the suggestion was made that two levels
of mentors be provided:
- A MENTOR for beginning teachers with a year or less experience
- A GUIDE for new teachers who have a year or more of recent
experience.
The following information explains how the Mentoring and Guide
Teacher Programs that I coordinated (1987-92) selected and matched
the staff fullfilling the Guide teacher roles. Please note, however,
that this approach has been utilized and proven effective in numerous
other induction and mentoring programs across North America since
then.
THE GUIDE TEACHER APPLICATION
PROCESS: A. In April every year the Office of Staff Development
shall give each building principal copies of applications for service
as a guide teacher. These forms shall be generally available at
each school throughout April each year. All staff interested in
serving as a guide with any new person to be employed later, should
sign and return this form to the office of Staff Development by
May 1st.
B. A list of those who have applied to be guides will be maintained
and those persons will be invited to attend a guide teacher training
session. Although guide trainings can be held at any time there
will always be at least one training scheduled during May.
C. Each June, the Office of Staff Development shall supply the principals
with a current list of those staff who are trained as guides also
indicating those who have previously served as a guide, their most
recent year of service, and the type of guide that service included.
THE GUIDE TEACHER ASSIGNMENT PROCESS:
The principals and supervisors usually have participated in interviews
with new employees and, therefore, are best positioned to know the
strengths and needs of new staff. Also, principals and supervisors
know the strengths and limitations of the current staff who might
serve as guides or mentors. Therefore, the Coordinator of the Mentor
and Guide Programs shall consult with the appropriate principals
and supervisors to determine the most appropriate person for service
as a guide.
Their decision shall be informed by :
1. Diagnosing the level of experience and needs of the new employee
2. Consulting the policy for assignment of a mentor or a guide
3. Considering the job assignment of the new staff member
4. Selecting the best available guide or mentor or combination
thereof from the list of those who have applied and have been
trained as guides or mentors
Persons may be selected as a guide or a mentor who are not yet
trained if:
- The guide or mentor has applied to do the job
- The guide or mentor meets all other qualifications
- The guide or mentor can be trained before the start of school
or within two weeks of the start of school, depending on available
training dates.
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