Mentoring Novice Teachers: Fostering a Dialogue Process

"Mentoring Novice Teachers is thorough, comprehensive, and well thought out. The author provides an important addition to the growing number of publications about mentoring. Its focus is on the content of mentor training and development. Content is conveyed in a constructivist mode through group dialogue, while at the same time allowing for individual reflection."
―Hal Portner, Author, Mentoring New Teachers

Deepen mentors′ awareness of effective practices for guiding novice teachers to success!

How do we educate mentors so they are able to successfully work with novice teachers? Mentoring Novice Teachers examines roles in mentoring relationships, presents strategies that foster trust and open communication, and offers practical ideas for addressing the specific needs of novice teachers.

This excellent, updated resource focuses on building the knowledge and skills mentors need to effectively support and guide new teachers as well as better understand the mentoring process. Reflections, discussion prompts, and role plays are incorporated throughout to increase mentors′ awareness and promote positive and effective interactions between mentors and beginning teachers. This second edition includes:

• Specific guidelines for facilitating a mentor training workshop
• Expanded coverage of mentoring strategies and processes
• Updated research about effective mentoring and communication
• A stronger focus on mentoring individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences

This unique book blends theory and practice in a format that meets the needs of mentors and facilitates a powerful means of support for novice teachers.

Debra Eckerman Pitton is an Associate Professor of Education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, where she teaches middle school and secondary methods courses, and supervises student teachers. In addition, she conducts mentor training workshops for school districts across the country, and regularly presents at conferences. She has taught language arts at the middle school and high school levels, and interpersonal and group communication at the community college level. She has also served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and learning.