The end of the year for new teachers brings with it many feelings of excitement and apprehension. As mentor's working with our faculty we can help build a knowledge base by informing and reminding our teachers of the following items:
- Discuss the end of the year procedures: graduation, locker clean out, book check-in,field trips, etc.
- Discuss end of the year procedures for teachers: turning in books, keys, preparing classroom, etc.
- Discuss concerns and student motivation
- Discuss stress relief
- Discuss the schools policy on student retention and the procedure for recommending that a student repeat a grade if necessary, remind of parent notification guidelines in your school.
- If your Mentee does not get renewed for next year, offer support, possibly a letter of recommendation, help them to be reflective and prepare a resume for the job search.
- Work with the Mentee to compile a list of the most worthwhile activities and topics to use next year.
- Encourage Independence with your Mentee:
- Discuss items they would not repeat next year, and make notes for planning with a year end self assessment and help him/ her get a head start for next year.
- Review the budget or items the teacher will need to turn into the Department Chair if applicable.
- Discuss professional development opportunities in the summer they may want to participate in.
- Recall the reflection phase of teaching and discuss with the Teacher Mentee
- Discuss and compliment the Mentee's growth this year
- Assist with common practices in getting the classroom ready for next year in your building.
- Discuss the transition to the next year. Will there be a new mentor? Will you be there next year to Mentor?
- Remember to update your Mentor spreadsheet
- Recognize and celebrate the successful moments, and the end of this year with your Mentee.
Questions For Reflection
- What are some things you accomplished this year that you are proud of?
- What is something you tried in your classroom this year for the first time? How did it go?
- What is something you found particularly frustrating this year?
- Which student in your class do you think showed the most improvement? Why do you think this student did so well?
- What is something you would change about this year if you could?
- What is one way that you grew professionally this year?
Who amongst your colleagues was the most helpful to you?- What has caused you the most stress this year?
- When was a time this year that you felt joyful and/or inspired about the work that you do?
- What do you hope your students remember most about you as a teacher?
- In what ways were you helpful to your colleagues this year?
- What was the most valuable thing you learned this year?
- What was the biggest mistake you made this year? How can you avoid making the same mistake in the future?
- What is something you did this year that went better than you thought it would?
- What part of the school day is your favorite? Why?
- What were your biggest organizational challenges this year?
- Who was your most challenging student? Why?
- In what ways did you change the lives of your students this year?
- What professional development do I need to participate in during the summer?