Why a mentorship program?

Remember what it was like as a first year band teacher?  Did you wish you had a little help or guidance?  Maybe you were fortunate to have someone to turn to for answers during that inaugural year of teaching.  Well, this is what MBA seeks to provide to teachers new to our profession or those new to our province.  We would like to offer a helping hand by pairing you with an experienced band teacher.

What can I expect as a mentee?

There are many things to learn as a new teacher… practical applications which are sometimes not covered in a university course or found in a textbook.  Classroom management, discipline, dealing with administration and parents, communication and organizational skills, balancing work and personal life, are just a few of the issues facing new teachers. Your mentor will have experience dealing with these challenges and be willing to share what has, and hasn’t worked for them.  

What am I expected to do as a mentor?

Once you have been paired with a teacher who has requested a mentor, we ask that you arrange a meeting as soon as possible.  Ongoing communication  can be in person, by phone, email, etc… whatever works for both of you! The concept is to share ideas and resources.  Stay in touch throughout the school year.  As a skilled teacher you already have a sense of when and where a new teacher is going to experience challenges.   Alleviating some of those stresses is the goal.

Who can be a mentor?

There are not rigid guidelines as to who can be a mentor.  Interested MBA members who feel they have something to offer are encouraged to volunteer.  We are looking for teachers and former teachers who are willing to share their expertise and enthusiasm as they recall what it’s like to be a new band teacher.

For more information contact
Mentorship Coordinator, Barb Dowsett
(204) 867-5040 or bdowsett@mts.net