MENTOR REQUIREMENTS

• Complete mentor application

• Have 5+ years as a school counselor, school adjustment counselor or school counseling director

• Have appropriate professional licensure

• Be a current VTSCA member (professional or retired)

• Complete VTSCA Mentor Mentee Goal Setting and Working Agreement

• Schedule regular meetings (in-person or virtual) with the mentee (at least twice each month during the academic year, for a minimum of 15-30 minutes per session) at times that are mutually convenient for the mentor and mentee

• Complete VTSCA Mentor Meeting Collaborative Discussion Log to document each mentoring session.

• Be available for additional consultation via phone/email on an as-needed basis

• Participate in the program evaluation and improvement.

• Maintain confidentiality within the mentor/mentee relationship

MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

As a mentor your responsibilities are to serve as a coach who supports and encourages the new counselor. The Mentor has three very important roles:

As a Mentor you are a ROLE MODEL by:

• Displaying a positive attitude -- being enthusiastic, flexible, empathetic, and open-minded.

• Being organized – showing the ability to stay focused, meet deadlines, complete paperwork in a timely manner.

• Showing you are a strong and highly competent professional – leading by example, utilizing a growth mindset, maintaining current knowledge of regulations and best practices, and promoting active membership in professional career associations.

• Demonstrating active thinking and learning skills - Practicing and encouraging Demonstrating proficient mentoring skills – active listening, relationship-building, reflective practices; promoting thinking, analysis, problem solving, and planning; and being a life-long learner.

• Encouraging and challenging the mentee to grow on their own.

• Utilizing effective communication - strong verbal and nonverbal skills, good networking skills, and effective feedback.

HELPER by:

• Giving of your time and support.

• Providing the mentee with resources, models of instruction, and methods.

• Showing an awareness of what new practice looks like.

• Building confidence in the mentee.

• Celebrating the successes of the mentee.

• Working collaboratively with the program at large to assist the mentee.

COLLEAGUE by:

• Being an advocate for the new mentee and the profession.

• Being a trustworthy confidante who listens in a non-judgmental, non-evaluative manner, without sharing confidential information.

• Demonstrating a caring, supportive attitude.

• Showing your commitment to mentoring by your desire to be a mentor and to give back to others in your profession.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTOR

Mentoring a colleague is a two-way street!  The benefits of becoming a mentor are:

• The opportunity to demonstrate commitment to developing our profession.

• The professional satisfaction of guiding and sharing with another member in the profession.

• The opportunity to use and develop leadership skills.

• Enhanced and strengthened interpersonal and coaching skills.

• Helping to facilitate a smoother learning curve for new school counselors.

• Helping to provide a supportive work environment.

• Creating opportunities for networking.

• $100 stipend earned upon completing the year-end mentoring paperwork.

APPLY NOW!