Once a mentor has been assigned to a protege, regular contact between the mentor and protege is needed to foster a supportive relationship. The mentor program includes financial support for a limited number of phone calls and travel expenses for on-site visits. Both mentors and proteges can benefit from access to email at a site provided by the district-UCSC4perhaps in the library or computer lab of one of the schools regularly visited. For the purposes of onsite observations or shadowing, occasional release time may be needed by either the mentor or the protege. Using professional development days also eliminates the problem of not providing scheduled services for VI students on regular school days.
Limited funds are available to hire a substitute teacher if it is necessary.
Administrative support is a vital key to the success of the VI Mentor Program. We welcome your input and suggestions.