What Successful Mentors Do
81 Research-Based Strategies for New Teacher Induction, Training, and Support
- Cathy D. Hicks - San Dieguito Union High School District, California
- Neal A. Glasgow - San Dieguito Union High School District, California
- Sarah J. McNary - San Dieguito Union High School District, California
Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this book synthesizes current educational research and extends its application to in-service settings. Using a consistent and reader-friendly format, the authors present specific mentoring strategies accompanied by summaries of the research background validating the strategies, mentoring applications for the strategies, precautions and pitfalls helpful for implementation, and source citations for further reference. Strategies are organized into convenient categories that include developing teaching styles; time management strategies; classroom management policies; managing curriculum, instruction, and assessment; working with at-risk, special needs, and diverse populations; working with educational technologies; interacting with students, parents, and community; and more.
"here is no ‘one size fits all’ professional development. Teaching is exciting and rewarding, but it is like pro football in that on any given day most anything may work, while on other days nothing seems to work. But you still need to keep on playing your best. Good mentors help keep good teachers playing at their very best. . . . As the authors so aptly suggest, good teaching is more a journey than a destination. This book will help both mentors and teachers to navigate this journey successfully."
"What a great book to provide for all veteran teachers so that when we are chatting in the lunchroom and a ‘new’ teacher shares a dilemma, anyone on staff can chime in with advice, backed by research and experience."
"Provides a wide range of practical suggestions for mentors that are based on current research and that can be ‘harvested’ whenever needed. The ‘Precautions and Possible Pitfalls’ sections serve as a welcome safety net, helping mentors to proactively examine and strategize solutions for anticipated challenges. The ‘Sources’ sections are particularly helpful in offering additional readings for those mentors who are interested in going deeper into a topic. What Successful Mentors Do is easy to use, linked to best practices, and is certain to be an invaluable resource for new and returning mentors."
