Watch Over Me: Teacher-induction programs seem to work best when mentors are given enough time and resources to do their jobs well

Resource Keywords:
Mentoring and Induction

Publication Type:

Web Article

Authors:

Denise Kersten

Year of Publication:

2006

URL:

http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.org%2Ftm...

Abstract:

This conclusion won't shock many of our subscribers: "Teacher-induction programs seem to work best when mentors are given enough time and resources to do their jobs well." But the truth behind the statement is driven home in this recent article from Teacher Magazine, which shares the story of novice (and very weary) teacher Michael-Jon Rodney and his mentor, 20-year teaching veteran Suzanne McLean. Because mentoring is McLean's full-time job, she's able to spend several hours each week "observing his classes, discussing his progress and strategies, researching lesson plans, and generally pitching in as needed." Read about this promising pilot project funded by a federal grant and inaugurated this year by Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Teacher Leadership. (If you're not a subscriber to the Education Week website, you can read this story by registering as a free guest.)

Kersten, D. (2006). Watch over me. Teacher magazine (Jan. 1 2006). Retrieved from Education Week 12 May 2008. http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.org%2Ftm...