Mentor Institute Foundations

Designed to meet the unique needs of Arizona mentors and coaches by utilizing the New Teacher Center philosophy and model, this seven-day series includes four in-person focused learning days, held in two-day increments, and three virtual learning sessions.

Participants will learn research-based strategies on:

• how to take an inquiry stance when supporting beginning teachers;
• strategic ways to build relationships and create entry points with teachers built on trust and confidentiality;
• language to speak about teaching and learning; and
• how to work with teachers through coaching cycles in the continued pursuit of improved teacher practice, leading to increased student learning.

Learning is sequenced to build on knowledge, skills, and understanding of coaching stances, all of which are critical for new teacher mentors and coaches serving in a range of program contexts.

The three virtual sessions provide time to cultivate a community of practice that reinforces and supports the application of new skills and knowledge acquired during the in-person learning sessions. Focused on tool usage and protocols that drive teacher practice forward, time will also be allotted for mentors and coaches to share the impacts of their work as well as identify obstacles and ways to overcome them.

The final virtual session will provide guidance on how mentors and coaches can best articulate their role and impact by producing a case study.