What are the best approaches for developing effective teacher mentors? In their work across the country, Kathy Dunne and Susan Villani have combined the nonjudgmental approach of collaborative coaching with a focus on student learning to heighten teacher effectiveness. The result is a stunningly effective model that benefits mentors and teachers alike — all in the service of students. For education leaders who oversee mentor programs and those who provide professional development for mentors, this book looks at mentoring from the context of the research on effective mentoring and provides extensive guidance on how mentors can understand the needs of new teachers, build strong relationships with them, and coach them through an ongoing process of improving their teaching practice. Step-by-step professional development activities spell out the details in the companion facilitation and training guide.
From the Back Cover “Dunne and Villani are nationally recognized experts...their comprehensive approach provides the foundation for highly valuable professional learning both for mentors and beginning teachers.”
Charlotte Danielson,
Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching “This is the ‘soup to nuts’ book that every district implementing a mentor program needs, whether starting from scratch or improving on an existing model.”
Elaine Pinckney, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Education
“...strategies that enable mentors to support new teachers in becoming more intentional and skillful in their work.”
Dennis Sparks, Executive Director, National Staff Development Council
“...rich practical resources, valuable tips, criteria for program design and assessment, systems of data gathering, and benefits to systems and teachers.”
Robert Garmston, Center for Adaptive Schools
“Anyone interested in helping mentors succeed in mentoring and coaching new teachers should use these valuable resources.”
Cara Elmore, Organizational Specialist, National Education Association
“In our rural school, it is difficult to retain teachers. These materials are filled with great ideas and insights for supporting mentors and new teachers.”
Rea Goklish, Assistant Principal, Seven Mile Elementary School, Whiteriver, Arizona
“Dunne and Villani have succeeded in creating a set of comprehensive resources that will meet the needs of professional developers, school administrators, and mentors.”
Steve Kossakoski, Director, Seacoast Professional Development Center --*
