Mentor Training: Essentials of Mentoring the Initial Educator

Based on solid research and Wisconsin's rules for licensing educators, the WEA Professional Development Academy provides a practical and thorough mentor preparation and support program. The Essentials of Mentoring the Initial Educator (EMIE) is delivered through a cadre of highly trained and experienced facilitators.

Originally developed in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction and CESAs, the EMIE program was refined through pilot testing in a number of small and medium-sized districts, input from experts and extensive implementation by Milwaukee Public Schools.

Need for Mentor Training

Wisconsin's licensure rule for educators, PI 34, requires school districts to provide initial educators with a qualified mentor. In addition, they must deliver ongoing orientation as well as support seminars (http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/pi34.html#initialeducatorlicense3417).

The primary intent of the EMIE training, therefore, is to provide districts with quality mentors at a reasonable cost so the requirements of PI 34 can be met. Another important intent, however, is simply to provide a solid foundation to support an overall learning environment in schools and classrooms. In summary, the purpose of the EMIE training program is two-fold:

• To deliver the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for professionals to mentor initial educators under the requirements of PI 34.
• To build a strong mentoring community committed to supporting professional growth that connects in positive ways to student learning.

Wisconsin-Specific: Connection to PI 34

The EMIE training program focuses on Wisconsin's PI 34 requirements and its substantial role for mentors as well as the broader school community. It does that by including the following components specifically related to PI 34:

• Understanding, using, and modeling Wisconsin Teacher Standards.
• Modeling reflection in professional practice.
• Linking professional growth to student learning.
• Coaching and writing the Professional Development Plan (PDP).
• Creating a district system of support for initial educators.

Overview of Training Program

The EMIE program is delivered through a series of modules that are designed to be flexible and practical. The modules vary in length, allowing for follow-up and "just in time" learning for both mentors and initial educators. Program highlights are explained below. There are nine modules in the EMIE program:

Module 1: Overview of PI34 - Creating a Context for Quality Mentors
Module 2: Sharing a Vision for Professional Performance
Module 3: Building Collegial Relationships
Module 4: Collaboration & Communication
Module 5: Focus on Student Learning
Module 6: Reflection
Module 7: Writing the Professional Development Plan
Module 8: Developing Mentoring Communities
Module 9: Creating District Support System for Initial Educators

Back to Top