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Information for Mentors

This section includes information on the qualifications for being a mentor, time commitment, responsibilities, mentor training modules, and how to apply.

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
  • resume with work history (O&M only, for documenting work in school systems)

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.

  • Activities Checklist for TVI protégé (DOC) (PDF)
  • Activities Checklist for O&M protégé (DOC) (PDF)

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
  • e-mail
  • 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:

Chrissy Cowan

TSBVI Mentor Coordinator