TSBVI Mentor Training 4.2 - Categories of support

Chapter 4: How a mentor can support the new professional

Look at the following chart. Based on interview with new teachers, these categories of support were developed.

Descriptions of Categories of Support Derived from Questions Asked by First-Year Teachers
Support Category	Description	Example Question
Instructional	Giving information about teaching strategies, the instructional process, or content.	How do I utilize math manipulatives?
System	Giving information related to procedures and guidelines of the school district.	What tests does the district require I give children?
Resource	Collecting, disseminating, or locating resources for use by the new teacher.	Where do I find a terrarium for the science center?
Emotional	Offering new teachers personal support through empathic listening and sharing experiences.	How do I learn to be a good teacher and also have a life outside the classroom?
Managerial	Managing and organizing the school day.	How should I organize my week?
Parental	Giving help and ideas related to conferencing or working with parents.	How do I tell parents their child is not doing well?
Disciplinary	Giving guidance and ideas related to managing children.	What do I do? The kids are wild and I am desperate.

Permission for use granted by Sandra J. Odell, Western Michigan University.
Copyright 1988, Austin Educational Associates

Watch each video clip and decide what category of support each mentor offers. Or, read the transcript of all clips .

Mentor 1	Mentor 1 QuickTime movie Mentor 1 Real Player movie
Mentor 2	Mentor 2 QuickTime movie Mentor 2 Real Player movie
Mentor 3	Mentor 3 QuickTime movie Mentor 3 Real Player movie
Mentor 4	Mentor 4 QuickTime movie Mentor 4 Real Player movie
Mentor 5	Mentor 5 QuickTime movie Mentor 5 Real Player movie
Mentor 6	Mentor 6 QuickTime movie Mentor 6 Real Player movie
Mentor 7	Mentor 7 QuickTime movie Mentor 7 Real Player movie