February 2009

What is S.M.A.R.T. Mentoring? by Amy Deden

Looking for that certain “something” that can take your S.M.A.R.T. Program up a level and increase its effectiveness?

Are you, your fellow teachers OR STUDENTS feeling that the S.M.A.R.T. room isn’t as much fun as it was in September?

If you don’t already have it, S.M.A.R.T. Mentoring might be just what you and your school are looking for!

We know from the feedback we receive that teachers leave the S.M.A.R.T. workshop with a whole new perspective on children and teaching.  And, even though they are excited to implement the program, once back at school, old challenges are still there, new curriculum may be introduced, and it’s difficult to fit everything into the day.  In other words, the reality of being in the classroom kicks in.

The Minnesota Learning Resource Center has specially trained mentors who understand both the excitement of what’s learned in the workshop and the reality of the classroom. They’ve also seen dozens of classrooms and schools with all types of challenges.  That’s what makes the mentors visit to schools so effective.

Services they provide are tailored to the needs of individual schools and include such support as:

• Assisting with designing or fine-tuning S.M.A.R.T. in individual classrooms
• Helping to create a designated S.M.A.R.T. Room
• Answering questions about certain kids or activities
• Leading S.M.A.R.T. Team meetings to share ideas
• Providing In-Services to all staff
• Conducting Make & Take sessions to freshen up S.M.A.R.T. materials
• Speaking at parent or school board meetings
  
  

Everyone hits that “middle of the year” feeling and the mentors can help reinvigorate your program and serve as that cheerleader who may be just what’s needed to get you re-energized about the program.

While there is a cost for mentoring, S.M.A.R.T. principals and staff often report that it is THE most critical component of the program.  Cindy Solberg, principal at Jeffer’s Pond Elementary in Prior Lake, MN had this to say about their experience, “Mentoring has helped maintain consistency and credibility for the program.  It has encouraged teachers to dialogue with the mentor and each other for the betterment of the program and our students.  Mentors not only provide constructive feedback, but are also available to answer the "why" questions that teachers need to ask.  Mentors have also been helpful by brainstorming with teachers to assist in better meeting the needs of individual students and encouraging their progress.”

Joey Page, Principal at Sheridan Hills Elementary in Richfield, MN shared the following,

“The benefits of MLRC's mentoring program for our schools’ S.M.A.R.T. has been vital to its growth and implementation.  The mentor program creates opportunities from an experienced professional to share and strengthen our teachers’ knowledge base and improve program fidelity.  
The mentor for our building has been helpful in creating a support network that is promoting greater collegiality among teachers involved in the program.  Our mentor demonstrates incredible professionalism and a commitment to our teachers’ skill enchantment and overall program success.”

Even though now is a great time to start mentoring if you’ve not already done so, the MLRC model suggests that schools new to the S.M.A.R.T. Program invest in 5-6 visits from a S.M.A.R.T. Mentor throughout the first year.  After that initial year, the MLRC recommends 3-4 visits within the second year and 1-2 visits the third year. Our model is designed so that after that third year, the experienced S.M.A.R.T. staff is able to mentor new S.M.A.R.T. staff.  However, we are always willing to visit with you about any of the above services to those schools that have completed the three years of mentoring.

If you are interested in more information about S.M.A.R.T. Mentoring, please contact the Minnesota Learning Resource Center at mlrc@actg.org or 612-706-5549.