Project mentors in Columbus, Ohio have a critical role to play in the professional growth and development of new teachers. To ensure they are providing the best possible guidance, mentors must stay abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices. Mentors should adhere to the Resident Educator Program Mentor Standards, the Guiding Principles of Mentoring, and Best Practices for Professional Growth and Learning. These principles should be applied to the mentoring process and adapted to meet the individual needs of resident educators.
Research has shown that mentor training can have a positive effect on mentors' relationships with their mentees, including feelings of closeness, support, satisfaction, and effectiveness as mentors. The Mentoring Practice Chart for Professional Growth and Learning is an invaluable resource for both mentors and resident educators. It outlines effective mentoring practices and provides tools and resources to help mentors foster a deeper understanding of educational practice among resident educators. Mentors should focus their mentoring on the teaching and learning cycle, which consists of four components: planning, instruction, assessment, and reflection.
By designing professional growth activities that impact educational practices, mentors can help resident educators become more successful.