We noted some of the benefits of mentoring for both paraeducators and mentors in the introductory slideshow, slides 4-6. Compare the benefits listed on the slides with the benefits described in the following interactive slide created from an article written by a paraeducator from a district in Washington that has instituted a peer mentoring program for their paraeducators. The author describes benefits for the district and students, as well as for paras and mentors. (Your district or organization may be looking at teachers, paras, or other educators to serve in the role of mentor, but benefits to mentors will likely be similar across these roles.)
Conclusion
Competent paraeducators are important to the delivery of the best possible educational services for our at-risk students. Through mentoring, new paraeducators can get the support to successfully meet the diverse needs of students. Working together, peer-mentoring is about forming relationships and offering support and encouragement. Opportunities for collaboration, and to increase skills, knowledge and confidence are important for success. Who benefits from a mentoring program? Administrators, teachers, paraeducators and most importantly the students!
– from Paraeducator Peer Mentoring: Working Together for Student Success in Washington by Beverly Matthews (Beverly Mathews is a Paraeducator and Mentor Coordinator in the Federal Way School District, in Federal Way, Washington.)
Reflect
Which of the benefits of mentoring for paras resonates most strongly with you? How might understanding these benefits help inform your personal mentoring goals?
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