Become a Coach/Mentor

To build trust with a teacher who is trying to learn a new skill, it is important at times to mentor the learner but also to remain the optimistic coach on the sidelines. While this may be more time intensive, the outcome is usually very satisfying for you, the mentor/coach, and the learner.

Coach-Mentoring includes:

- Start slowly. - Drop by just to say "hi." No agenda necessary. - Observe the teacher in action - classroom lessons, room setup, management style. - Discuss interests and fears. - Compile resources for any lesson - whether text books, online resources, etc. - Schedule time to meet - before school, lunch break, planning period, after school - Co-teach a lesson or model a lesson for the teacher, if she is interested. - Assist during a technology-enriched activity. - Provide feedback. - Praise the teacher for their initiatives.

Resources:

Coach Mentoring Model and Explanation ~ http://coachmentoring.com/coach-mentoring-chart.html

Teacher Feedback on the technology mentoring approach ~ http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/techmentor/comments.html

Two Faces of Mentoring (PDF Document)

Bridging the Technology Proficiency Gap Through Peer Mentoring by Frank Rudnesky, Ed. D. of Linwood Public Schools ~ www.techlearning.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=51200665