The topics for the mentor seminars should focus on skill building and problem solving. Second or third year mentors should be involved in the planning and teaching of the seminars. Distribute the seminar dates, times, and topics at the opening school brunch. Accountability Write out and distribute explicit requirements for the mentors. Include in the Requirements consequences if they do not meet the requirements.
Obstacles Match the mentor and entry year by content and either the same or different grade level.
Coordinate either the same planning period or lunchtime for the mentor and the entry year. Place the entry year and mentor in the same building. Assign mentors student teachers whenever possible. Consider having mentors share a duty to free up time for observation or conferencing. The Bridge 2000 Project has been very successful.