Mentoring new instructors
As a nurse, we are introduced to the idea of mentors from the very beginning. We many not necessarily want to be mentored by the person assigned to us, but it gives us a starting point. As an instructor, I feel this would be a good option as well. Having someone to seek for guidance would be great.
I am a new instuctor and I would love a mentor. I have alot of questions that I feel could be answered by a mentor as opposed to having to bother my program chair.
I agree Jessica. As a new instructor myself, I found that I did actually bother my program chair by asking her so many questions! I also find it hard to ask any of the other nursing instructors around the office any questions b/c most of them hold the notion that "I found out the hard way, so should you." Very difficult. I think it should be a mandatory part of the job to be mentored and then be groomed to be a mentor. It would create cohesiveness and more of a team atmosphere.
Jessica,
If you college doesn't have a mentoring program you might want to talk with your department chair and see if he/she can identify a senior instructor that would be willing to help you with your instructional development. Most experienced instructors are more than happy to share their expertise to beginning instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kiona,
Good comments about professional development. I agree with how you see the development of faculty. It is too bad with other professionals have the attitude that the newbies have to learn it on their own.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree as a new insturctor it would be great to have a mentor who you can talk to and just run by some general questions to. Mentoring offers several benfits such as and add value to the student and new instructor success, goals as well as rention.
Desharn,
Having a mentor is such a valuable resource. I suggest to all of the colleges I work with that they develop such a program for their new faculty. It makes such a difference in their growth and confidence.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
