Why does it have to be an "either/or"? My mentor works with anyone who asks her...including me, and I am a reading specialist in my 16th year who also ends up doing a lot of mentoring and coaching! I can't tell you how many times I have gone to my mentor for advice, or just when I needed someone to listen to some of the issues I am facing daily. I agree that the mentor/coach should be for everyone. I guess I am really lucky that our administration supports our mentor so completely with what she wants to do...or maybe it is because we rarely have more than 4-5 new teachers in our building at a time and she has time to work with the rest of us too. I do think, though, Judy, that teachers need to understand right from the get-go about teaching for depth. It isn't an add-on to me...it should be the way we do business from the beginning. I have found in my experiences where I am coteaching that the newbies more readily pick up best practices and integrate them more quickly than many of the veterans I have worked with. The other reason may be based on research...mentoring early on does prevent a certain amount of teacher turn-over. Another thought...if only the newbies are getting the coaching then we had better integrate the teaching for depth right away. If they don't learn it then, when will they ever get the support? Just my two cents... Jennifer In a message dated 9/28/2008 12:35:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Oh, yes, Lori, I totally understand. In fact, I'll just bet the coaches would rather be working with us vets dedicated to delving, but the powers that be... However, I would like to say that I think the district would get a lot of bang for its buck if it would help us at the higher levels and let us help the newbies. Just a thought, Judy **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
