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New Mentor Training- August 19

New Mentor Training

Note: Sign up for course under the “Mentor Program” tab in SmartPD

Instructors: Ellen Horton and Aimee Pfeiffer
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 
Time: 8:00-11:30 on site, an additional 2 hours (approx.) of independent work  
(including a reflection) to be completed on your own time before Sept. 1,2026.
Location: Freeman Kennedy Maker Space
PDPs: 6 PDPs upon completion 

*If the course is over enrolled, priority will be given to Norfolk staff

Description: “For more than a decade, clear and consistent research has shown that the quality of teachers is the most powerful school-related determinant of student success. When mentors are well-selected, well-trained, and given the time to work intensively with new teachers, they not only help average teachers become good, but good teachers become great”(Dara Barlin, Better Mentoring, Better Teachers).

Research shows that mentors are the heart of a new teacher induction program. Join in this workshop to learn about the roles and responsibilities of mentor teachers, to build your skills for providing instructional support and emotional guidance, and to provide leadership in fostering the habits of continuous learning and reflection.

Take this opportunity to broaden your leadership potential and renew your passion for teaching. Accelerating the effectiveness of new teachers and supporting our colleagues as they take on different roles and responsibilities is a critical link to student success and one that relies on quality mentors like you.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Participants will develop their abilities to:

  • Understand the needs and developmental stages of beginning teachers

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the mentor 

  • Support reflective practice in the beginning teacher

  • Understand adult learning and the implications for the mentor/mentee relationship

  • Understand the different styles of mentoring

  • Effectively engage in peer coaching including:

    • The importance of confidentiality

    • The hallmarks of effective feedback

    • The difference between supervising and peer coaching

    • Strategies for developing effective instructional practices

CONNECTIONS WITH INITIATIVES
MA Educator Evaluation Regulations
Standard IV: Professional Culture. The teacher promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

  • New mentors embarking on their first mentoring assignment

  • Experienced mentors seeking an opportunity to refine and strengthen their skills as well as maintaining their status as mentor teacher (training encouraged every 5 years) 

  • Any educator interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about the mentoring process and program

             (Training materials adapted from Teachers 21 description 2017)