Mentoring Educators for Tomorrow’s Successes (METS)
As students in teacher preparation programs get closer to entering the professional world of teaching they often have questions about techniques, strategies, working in a school and classroom, and a variety of issues and concerns. It has been found that a mentor, someone who can share information and can communicate informally about a variety of issues, can be extremely helpful. Are there times when you would like to talk with another professional who has had experience in the field? Would you like to have a mentor? The IEA Retired/Student Mentoring Program offers you an opportunity to link with a retired teacher so that you can share experiences and network to gain further insights into teaching.
The Mentoring Program pairs an IEA-R member with an IEA-SP member to allow for a mentor/protégé relationship which encourages the exchange of ideas, experiences, and more. Students and retirees learn from each other by communicating by a variety of means (telephone, face to face, letters, email) and each pairing determines the level of involvement and commitment desired. It is completely up to you - you work with your partner to develop a relationship at your own pace and according to your specific style.
You are invited to become a part of the IEA Student/Retired Mentoring Program. This program grows annually, involving retired members and pre-service teachers throughout the state. This program has shown benefits for both student and retired members, and we hope that you will be interested in participating in this strong program within the Illinois Education Association.
This program facilitates interaction between the students and retirees ranging from sharing experiences to offering guidance and from lending a listening ear to relating the past and present methodologies and philosophies in education. Not only will the students be learning from retirees but the students have a great deal to offer as well. Whether we may be discussing the latest trends or the strong traditions in education, a relationship can be built from which both parties benefit.
The Student as Mentee
Most successful professionals have had someone that they credit as having made a contribution that is directly responsible for much of their career success. A mentor from this program could be the person responsible for making a suggestion that you used which ultimately defined the path for you to become a very successful teacher.
The mentee is responsible with the mentor to make certain that communications is on going. Communications can be by phone, letters, e-mail or regularly meeting each other for lunch or just meet to talk. The more direct contact, whether it be face-to-face contact, or by mail, the more each participant will be able to determine each other’s talents, traits, opinions or tendencies.
If you choose to work with a mentor, you must meet these responsibilities:
- Initiate and maintain regular communications with the mentor
- Be punctual when meeting the mentor
- Must be open and honest about your needs
- Must realize that mentors are providing alternative suggestions to the discussion, the mentee must select from suggestions offered whichever he/she believes is the suggestion best suited for the situation
- Must communicate your expectations
- Must respect the effort the mentor is making to further your career
Mentoring must be viewed as a partnership. Each party must feel free to contribute to the discussion. The partnership must be a relationship of equal sharing. A healthy relationship can develop not only into a successful sharing of ideas but also a great friendship.