What does a Twenty First-Century Mentoring Program look like?

The twenty-first century is more than a decade old. We can all reflect back to what was going on in our world during that big moment of 2000. Perhaps, the world is much smaller in many regards because of the use of "instant" communication and being able to connect on the Internet. We also have the ability to discover many more things than we ever could before.

Without a doubt, technology has made a big difference in our lives. We certainly embrace the ability to connect by Internet but there is not any real substitution for actually getting together. Those personal connections are important in the first few years of teaching. This is why:

1. A mentor teacher really cares about a new teacher's success. All veteran teachers remember what the first few years of teaching were like in terms of the huge learning curve. In reality, your college program could not prepare you for EVERYTHING! For example, you may have student-taught in a completely different location with a different population of students and parents. This is a huge component in determining your own classroom management that you cannot learn in a college classroom. Your mentor teacher will understand the population due to his/her experience and will give "tried and true" techniques that will work in your classroom.
2. A "one on one" meeting is a chance to really get to know each other. Relationships stand the test of time. As you spend time together, you being to trust and relate in a way that cannot be accomplished through emails. It is true that emails are fast, easy, and convenient. But, should it be the only form of communication?
3. Asking questions is imperative in grasping new knowledge and moving forward. Again, the mentor teacher is there to encourage and give advice which will ground that new teacher through that first year.

There may be many of you in the state of Kansas who are the only teacher in your school or your district who teach in your content area. In fact, you may need to drive a distance to "connect" with your mentor. A way to connect more often is to skype/face time on a regular basis. The investment of time spent together, either physically or by technology, will again impact that new teacher. The important part of this is to have a regular time to spend with the mentor. This connection will make a huge difference as you begin your teaching career.

Finally, the number of new teachers who do not have a mentor always surprises us at the New Teacher Luncheon in February at the KMEA In- Service Workshop. The technology available to new teachers is astounding, and yet, many do not know about the district mentor chairs who can connect each new teacher with a mentor. We also believe if you are reading this article, then you obviously care about new teachers in our field. Is there a way you can get your name out to your mentor chair in your district (listed below)? It would be beneficial for each district mentor chair to have a list of mentors who would be willing to invest in the life of a new teacher. Also, if you have any ideas to improve connections for our organization, please email Kelly Knedler and Holly Taylor. We would value your ideas to help new teachers.

Below are the District Mentor Chairs for each KMEA District. If you do not have a mentor, please contact your district mentor chair. What will the years ahead look like in the mentoring field? One thing is for sure, relationships will be one of the top priorities for the success of a new teacher.

NORTHWEST:
Jeff Jordan; nwmentoring [at] ksmea.org

NORTH CENTRAL:
Nancy Monical; mentoring [at] nckmea.org

NORTHEAST:
Maggie McKain; nementoring [at] ksmea.org

SOUTHWEST:
Ryan Elliott; mentoring [at] swkmea.org

SOUTH CENTRAL:
Amy Brown; mentoring [at] sckmea.org

SOUTHEAST:
Rosie Sweaney; sementoring [at] ksmea.org