Who is qualified to be a VI and/or O&M mentor?
VI teachers (TVIs) and Certified O&M specialists (COMS) are qualified to be mentors if they have the following:
- commitment to serve as a mentor for two years
- four years of experience as a VI professional
- good communication skills
- solid understanding of the professional field
- written administrative approval and support
- current A.C.V.R.E.P. O&M certification (COMS only)
What is the process for becoming a mentor?
Mentors may be self-nominated or nominated by either their school district or the VI staff of their local ESC.
All applicants must submit the following documentation:
- application for VI/O&M mentorship (DOC) (PDF)
- recommendation form from a co-worker (DOC) (PDF)
- recommendation form from a current supervisor (DOC) (PDF)
- recommendation form from the ESC-VI consultant in their region (DOC) (PDF)
- documentation of VI-related in-service training and/or workshop attendance within the past 3 years
What will a VI/O&M mentor do?
Each mentor/protégé team will be issued a contact log which lists activities or topics that should be covered over the course of the mentor assignment. Contact logs are shared with the Mentor Coordinator to provide a statewide, global view of what is being worked on by the mentor/protégé teams. Mentors will not be asked to provide grades or evaluations.
What time commitment is involved in being a mentor?
In general, mentors will be teamed with their protégé for two years, assuming that the protégé is employed in the educational sector as a VI professional.
Interaction Formats
The mentor and the protégé may interact through a variety of different methods including (but not limited to):
- personal, face-to-face meetings
- telephone conversations or conference calls
- video demonstrations or observations
- interactive television
- sending each other products/resources (articles, materials, kits, books, etc.)
- “shadowing” of the mentor by the protégé
How will mentors be trained?
Each mentor will be required to attend mentor training. Completion of an on-line module is required prior to attending the training. The mentor program will pay for all expenses for the mentors to participate in the training.
Interested in being a mentor?
Please contact: