Mentor Seminar Syllabus


Goals :
.....1. To provide an awareness of the traits of effective mentors
.....2. To provide practice and structures for active listening, and conferencing techniques
.....3. To provide continued support for mentors as they progress through the year mentoring new teachers
.....4. To examine the traits of effective teaching and how to use that information in mentoring new teachers

Learning Outcomes :
.....1. Teachers will have knowledge of the the traits of effective mentors, conferencing techniques, and the needs of adult learners
.....2. Teachers will have an understanding of the interpersonal skills necessary to be a trusted mentor
.....3. Teachers will have knowledge of the traits of effective teachers

.....4. Teachers will understand their role as a mentor to a first year teacher

Structure :
..The course will be comprised of seven two hour of classes from 3:30 to 5:30 and two plenaries where both mentors and mentees will meet as a whole group.The time table for the seven classes will be determined by the group at the first class based on what best meets their needs for effective mentoring.

Reading Assignments :Readings will be assigned readings during the seven class course dealing with a wide range of topics covered in the syllabus. All participants will be responsible for reading and journaling about these topics. The texts used will be Enhancing Professional Practice : A Framework for Teaching (Charlotte Danielson) and What Great Teacher Do Differently (Todd Whitaker).Readings given are to be read before the following class unless otherwise specified.


Class 1 Reflection : Classroom Management : October 5
.......Overview - Structure of the class
..........................Helping your mentee in setting up the class
..........................Introduce the Teacher Skills Checklists (Stronge)
..........................Understanding the Framework, Chapter 1 (for 1st class)
..........................Domain 2, the Classroom Environment
..........................Blogging : The professional conversation


Reading Assignment : Chapter 1 and Domain 2 : A Framework for Teaching, (for first class)
...........................Component 4c : Communicating with Families (for next class
...........................Features and Assumptions of the Framework

Blogging Assignment : What does your mentee need ? How can you help ?

Class 2 Reflection : Communication : November 2

..........................Effective Communication/ to the greater community, in the school community/ with ..........................students
........................ Communication between mentor and mentee in weekely meetings/observation ........................conferences
..........................Class Discussion of Parent Conference Technique/role play
. ........................Tools for Observation : What are you looking for ?

Reading Assignment : Chapter 3 : The Four Domains of Teaching Responsibility
“Understanding and Managing ADHD in Teens”
“Questions about ADHD : Information and Coping Strategies”

Blogging Assignment :
The ADD Student : What are your strategies ?

Class 3 Reflection : Special Education Responsibilities December 7

........................Component 1b : Demonstrating Knowledge of Students
........................Component 1d : Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources
........................Component 3e : Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness
........................Understanding the Teacher's Responsibilities in Special Education
........................1st observation comments

Reading Assignment : Chapter 4 : Creating a Professional Portfolio
Blogging Assignment : Where are you in your IPDP ? What tips can we give our mentees ? What is one of your professional goals ?

Class 4 Reflection : Professional Development ****January 11****

........................Understanding LSB and where your Mentee is in the process
........................Component 4d : Contributing to the school and District
........................Component 4e : Growing and Developing Professionally
........................Initiatives in the Schools and the WSSU

Reading Assignment : Chapter 5: Using the Framework
Blogging Assignment : Are your needs being met ?

Class 5 Reflection : Developing an Effective and Integrated Curriculum : February 1

........................Component 1c : Selecting Instructional Goals
........................Component 1e : Designing Coherent Instruction
........................Interest Inventory activity - what are your strengths ?
....................... The 8 intelligences - where do you see them in your students ?

Blogging Assignment : What works for you as a learner ?
Written Assignment : Develop an array of variations for one theme to reflect the 8 intelligences

March 1 - Snow day class


Class 6 Reflection : Evaluation, Rubrics, The Whole Picture :April 5

........................Component 1f : Assessing Student Learning
........................Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Matrix Plan

Blogging Assignment : How has mentoring this year affected you as a teacher ?


Class 7 Reflection : Growth and Progress : May 3
........................ One way in which my mentee has grown this year.
........................Areas of strength and challenges for you as a mentor
........................Evaluation, Next Steps, Support for the remainder of the year

 

contact Dan Heller 802-368-2590 or by e-mail Beth Brodie at bbrodie@sover.net