Mentoring and Coaching
A Lifeline for Teachers in a Multicultural Setting
- Denise M. Gudwin - Florida International University, USA
- Magda D. Salazar-Wallace - Florida International University, USA, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, USA
Foreword by Joan T. Wynne
The challenges of teaching in a culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) school, including language barriers, special needs, and teacher isolation, can be especially overwhelming for early-career teachers. This unique book on mentoring and coaching new teachers is specifically designed for multicultural school settings, although educators in all settings can benefit.
The authors draw from their own experience implementing a highly successful coaching programme for new teachers in a large, urban school district. The book offers practical examples anchored in the current theoretical and research base for the professional development of novice teachers in urban as well as non-urban areas. Filled with vignettes that directly capture the real-life experiences of new teachers and their coaches, this volume:
- Illustrates how to develop effective teacher-to-teacher coaching relationships
- Raises readers' awareness of issues that might arise from CLD differences and facilitates more effective communication
- Offers reproducible resources, agendas, and other sample materials for a variety of contexts
This timely and practical book helps coaches give new teachers the support they need to survive and succeed in diverse school settings.
"These two remarkable educators not only document the development of their own relationship from mentor/mentee to professional colleagues, they also draw from their own experiences, research studies, and the real voices of countless new teachers to provide an excellent, hands-on guide for perfecting the mentoring role in multicultural settings. Kudos!"
"The authors take an important multicultural approach to mentoring by showing how teachers from different cultural heritages translate concepts into practices. Their concrete examples at different grade levels explain how struggling teachers can become successful. Easy to read and understand, this book contains valuable resources, self-assessment tools, and tips for effective communication that will ensure successful implementation of mentoring programs."
"In this book you hear the voices of new teachers who have struggled with the myriad of challenges that drive so many good and potentially effective teachers out of a career in education. Mentoring and coaching has made a difference in the professional lives of many motivated and talented teachers who have, in turn, improved the learning outcomes of their students. Gudwin and Salazar provide a realistic and practical guide to successful mentoring and coaching that is grounded in their own successful experiences with struggling teachers and students.”
“Sustaining young, spirited, gifted teachers in our public schools, especially in our urban systems, is one of our country’s greatest challenges in education. This book, written by two educators who have brilliantly faced that challenge and helped create a comprehensive program to retain those teachers, is a blueprint for the nation’s 'way out' of losing the very people who can inspire a higher level of academic achievement for our children."
“Using the voices of teachers, mentors, and school leaders, this book is an insightful analysis of the role that mentoring and teacher induction programs play in the retention and success of urban public school teachers. A must-read for all stakeholders serious about teacher success in today’s challenged climate surrounding public education. This book represents the hope that is necessary to retain the next generation of public school teachers."
