Implementing a Mentorship Program to Sustain and Support Flexible Learning in SD71

Phase 1: Getting Started: Clear goals and

construction of knowledge base.
Implementing a successful mentorship
program will require an assessment of
district needs as well as clear program
goals.

Key Ideas for GETTING STARTED in a

Successful Mentorship Program
Year one:

Completing a needs assessment

at school and district levels

Determining goals of mentorship

program

Identifying process for selection of

mentors and mentees

Gaining involvement of key

stakeholders

Establishing supporting policies

and procedures

Ensuring effective mentor and

teacher matches

Using an online community of

collaboration to provide support
and resources for participants

Celebrate and acknowledge work

of program participants
Year two:

Continuing to provide support and

resources for participants.
Expanding the online community
to reach outside of district.

Designing and implementing

mentorship program evaluation

Celebrate and acknowledge work

of program participants

Phase 2: Evaluation of Program

Once the mentorship program is
underway evaluation and reflection
will aid in determining what parts
have been effective and what will
need to be revised.

Key Ideas for EVALUATION of a

Successful Mentorship Program
Year one:

Identification of goals and results

of the mentorship program

Gathering information from

participants through online
community.

Determining how we will know if

program goals have been met
what evidence is required.

Celebrate and acknowledge work

of program participants
Year two:

Evaluating the information that has

been gathered both formally and
informally.

Preparation and presentation of

results of findings

Using the findings to make

revisions to the program

Celebrate and acknowledge work

of program participants

Phase3: Sustaining and Supporting the

Program
In order to support and sustain a
mentorship program, there needs to
be an investment of resources and a
commitment to leadership.

Key Ideas for SUPPORTING and

SUSTAINING a successful Mentorship
Program
Year one:

Identifying persons responsible

for overseeing the Mentorship
Program and supporting them
adequately.

Celebrate and acknowledge

program participants
Year two:

Provide opportunities for

support, resources, learning for
all involved. Continue to keep
online community viable.

Establish an annual budget

amount for the program

Expand the group of mentees

available to work with teachers
requesting mentoring.

Share program results with all

stakeholders.

Celebrate and acknowledge

work of program participants.
Year three and beyond:

On-going implementation of
above activities

The overarching principle of this program is the concept that there is a distinct need for flexible learning options within our classrooms.
Mentorship will provide scaffolded support for teachers to implement technology supported flexible learning.

Adapted from the Michigan Department of Eduation: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-5683_5703-97354--,00.html

Marieke Holtkamp, 2014