Original Mentoring Report
Mentoring Timeline
Mentoring Project Application
Music Mentor Project log sheet
Mentoring Questionnaire

“A mentor is a brain to pick, a shoulder to cry on, and when necessary a ‘kick in the pants.’”

There are not a lot of ‘best practice models’ for music mentoring programs; therefore, each case should be based on the individual needs and concerns of the mentee.

“ In the first year, teachers need survival techniques the most. Teachers get a chance to vent, share ideas, and build a sense of camaraderie and that’s a great help to them. Research shows us that the best mentoring programs start out informally with some kind of gathering outside of school at the beginning of the year, where mentors and mentees can meet and get to know each other as people.”

Topics for discussion should first and foremost address the concerns and needs of the mentee. Guidelines may include, but should not be limited to:

• Discuss needs/concerns, set priorities
• Establish timelines (within timelines include dates and deadlines for all KMEA sponsored events)
• Provide guidance and create strategies for specific elements of teaching or related concerns
• Reflect on actions taken based upon discussions between mentor and mentee
• Encourage involvement in professional organizations
  

Tips for Mentors:

• Have at least the first meeting “face to face” and monthly afterwards if possible but at least by phone or email – be flexible, more attention may be needed at the start of school
• Discuss the concerns of the mentee
• Listen empathically and be willing to make a personal connection
• Seek solutions together
• Avoid: “Let me tell you how to fix it” unless specifically asked
• Let the new teacher vent, share ideas and build a sense of camaraderie
• “In the first year, teachers need survival techniques the most. It’s in the subsequent years that they need a lot more information about actual instruction.”
• Encourage professional association and explain KMEA (local and state) and MENC benefits
• Encourage attendance at the KMEA Conference and new teacher sessions
• This is not necessarily a KTIP Program – again listen to the needs and concerns of the new teacher
• Refer to the KMEA Mentoring website for copies of forms, guidelines, updates, etc

Reimbursement if available for reasonable expenses, the procedure is to summit the log form with reimbursement information to David and Macie Tucker. This will be forwarded to the KMEA office for consideration, limited funds are available.

David & Macie Tucker
1112 West Broadway
Mayfield, KY 42066
dtucker458@newwavecomm.net