Mentoring: A Partnership |
| The
North East Independent School District formed partnerships with businesses
and organizations in San Antonio three years ago to address the needs of
students considered at risk. One on one contact with the students offered
the best option for results, and thus the mentorship program was formed. |
What is a mentor? |
| The qualifications and expectations of
mentors are basic. |
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Mentors
are: caring individuals who have good listening skills. Mentors know that listening is one of the greatest acts of caring.
They provide encouragement.
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Mentors
are: reliable and dependable. Mentors commit to spending
one hour with their student each week on the school campus. They
demonstrate their commitment by being on time for scheduled visits.
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What support does a mentor receive? |
| Mentoring a
child may require minimum time commitment, but the impact can be
significant. Mentors are provided with support to assist them in being
effective and comfortable in their role. |
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Mentors:
receive training. School staff provide mentors with basic
training and guidelines to help them become effective mentors.
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Mentors: are
matched with a child who is felt to be compatible with their-
interests and personality. Interviews with potential mentors
and knowledge of the students enable staff to successfully match
students and mentors.
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Mentors:
are involved in student activities and tasks with which the
experience is comfortable. Some mentors may tutor or read to a
student. Others may share lunch with a child. School staff work with
mentors to ensure the experience is comfortable for the mentor and
child.
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Mentors:
are provided with ongoing support. If the mentor has concerns
or questions, school staff are available for consultation and
support.
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Does mentoring make a difference? |
| Ernie
McReynolds, a NEISD middle school counselor, knows that mentoring makes a
difference. According to Ernie, "When we started the mentor program,
the first thing that jumped out was that the attendance of students with
mentors improved. As the relationship with the mentor developed, grades
also improved and certainly the greatest impact was an increase in
self-esteem." |
The greatest benefits are
described by the students with mentors. One middle school student stated,
"Paul doesn't get paid to be my mentor. He is busy, but he finds time for
me. He makes me feel like I am somebody. Paul motivates me. When I do well, I
like the look on his face. Doing well is one way I can let him know that I
appreciate him. Doing well is the way I can pay him back for being any
mentor." |
How can a business or individual become involved? |
| North East
Independent School District is actively recruiting businesses to sponsor a
mentor program through employee volunteers. Anyone interested in the
Mentor program should contact: |
