Supporting Our Own: A Manual for ESP Mentoring Programs

Who Should Be A Mentor?

"All of the certificates of recognition we receive in life will fade. The monuments we build will crumble. The trophies will corrode. But what we do for others will make a lasting impact on our world."
—John C. Maxwell, Developing The Leader Within You

The fundamental requirement is that an ESP mentor must also be an ESP. However, this does not necessarily mean someone in the same job category, or even in the same school. A mentoring relationship between two ESP in different job families would be unusual, but it might be the best fit. The participants should be paired based on what they identified as their goals, areas of need, and areas of expertise.

Experience and Job Credentials

A typical mentor is a veteran professional who wants to take an active interest in the career development of another ESP. The mentor should have at least three years of experience with the school system, and have met all of the qualifications of his or her job category, such as required licenses or certification. Because part of the mentoring role is to familiarize the mentee with NEA, the mentor should be a dues-paying Association member active in the local and state affiliate, such as a building rep, local leader, or committee member. (Retirees form a valuable pool of potential mentors.) The mentor also should be familiar with the state and national laws regarding education as well as the collective bargaining agreement if in a statutory state, or school district policy if in a nonstatutory state.

Personal Characteristics

An effective mentor...

• Understands the role, purpose, and process of mentoring.
• Has a network of contacts who can help the mentee achieve his or her goals (mosaic).
• Is patient.
• Is a good listener and can also communicate clearly, without sending mixed messages.
• Is able to give and accept feedback in a constructive manner.
• Can freely praise.
• Is flexible and has a sense of humor.
• Is even-tempered and consistent.
• Has a positive outlook.
• Can think outside the box and make quick decisions if necessary.
• Is trustworthy and discreet.
• Is a model of professionalism, someone others look up to.
• Respects confidentiality (see box below).
• Works collectively and collaboratively.
• Is enthusiastic about his or her own job and the mentoring position.
• Can acknowledge when the mentoring relationship isn’t working and is willing seek help.

Go to the next section: "Who Should be a Mentee?