Mentor Institute

This learning opportunity is designed for mentors supporting beginning teachers.

Utilizing the New  Teacher Center philosophy and model, Mentor Institute focuses on instructional mentoring, observation and conferencing, using data to inform instruction, and designing effective instruction based on the learning needs of students. This Mentor Institute is aligned to specifically meet the needs of Arizona teachers and mentors. The learning is sequenced to build on knowledge, skills, and understanding, all critical for new teacher mentors, in a variety of program contexts. Mentors will cultivate a learning community through sharing and reflecting on mentor practice.

Through participation in Mentor Institute, mentors will:

• Clarify understanding of mentors’ various roles and how to build collaborative, trusting relationships with beginning teachers:
  • Acquiring mentoring language
  • Practicing differentiated stances of effective instructional mentoring
• Apply protocols and tools that support an effective observation cycle for mentors by:
  • Expanding on the use of mentoring language and practicing skills of collecting evidence and providing meaningful feedback
  • Building new partnerships and effectively communicating with site administrators
• Learn and practice the protocols for analyzing student work to:
  • Collaboratively plan differentiated instruction for beginning teachers
  • Provide meaningful feedback and incorporate relevant aspects of brain research that enhance teaching practice
• Explore the latest research in student motivation and acquire new skills and tools that:
  • Support the planning of effective instruction that aligns with 21^st-century standards
  • Reflect on mentors’ first-year experiences and plan support systems for teachers who may be transitioning at year’s end