One Plus One Equals Success

"If we want them to achieve, we must link them with achievers....One plus one--Pass it on."
(H. Weinberg, The Public Television Outreach Alliance)

Sometimes my students simply amaze me.

I teach a second-grader, who is a full-blown animal lover. Last year, she collected supplies for the Humane Society. She devours books, often one per day, that have dogs and other animals in them. As part of her gifted project, she established a dog washing club in her neighborhood. When shes not running her club, she takes equine lessons several days a week and has begun competing.

Wow, it took me most of my life to figure out my passions, then to do something with them. Not this girl, she knows what she likes, and she pursues it.

I truly believe, however, that she would really benefit from one more component added to her passion: A mentorsomeone who shares a similar passion and has built their career around it.
This is why Ive decided to pilot a mentoring program, using this gifted youngster as my first beneficiary. I have a created a plan for this student to connect with an expert in her field of interest (a veterinarian, which is what she says she wants to be when she gets older) and hopefully develop a relationship that enables this students passions and talents to blossom.

Mentoring is certainly not a new concept. There is ample research showing that mentoring has a positive impact. Studies have shown that mentoring has impacted young people in areas such as career advancement and earnings, particularly for women. Research subjects have also reported encouragement, support and intellectual stimulation as benefits. I know in my own life, Ive been lucky enough to have mentors in the field of education that have inspired me and provided the support to reach for higher goals.

Theres no question mentoring makes sense. I think the question is, at least in my mind as I develop a pilot program, whats the best way to do it. Based on my research of mentoring programs and best practices, Id like to summarize some strategies for success.

HAVE A GOOD PLAN
You really need to think out your plan for your program. Most importantly, you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, whether its assist the student in social/emotional development, career exploration, provide support and inspiration, or a combination of goals. The plan must also address the logistics of the program such as how often students will meet with their mentors, where they will meet, and what kind of interaction should take place. Part of this plan requires knowing what kind of mentoring relationship you want to establish for your students, a one-on-one, in-person mentoring, a group mentor, or an e-mail/technology-based mentor (E-mentoring). Also, consider school policies, including screening and background checks for possible mentors. The website, www.mentoring.org, provides resources and tool kits to help you in your planning.

SURVEY STUDENTS
Determine if students even want a mentor. If they do, what kind of mentor do they want? Do they want someone in a particular field or occupation? Someone with a certain type of personality or within a certain age group or demographic? You might want to survey your students to find out these answers. For example, take the second-grade student I mentioned at the start of this blog, I had worked with her for more than year and learned her interests through surveys, conversations, and project creations.

FIND EFFECTIVE MENTORS

Once you know your students needs, match them with the best mentors possible. Start by listing possible candidates then narrow the list. Are these professionals good role-models in life as well as in their careers? What qualities do they possess? Do your homework and make sure these are the kind of adults you would want to influence your own children. I like to read reviews and articles written about possible mentors on the Internet. For instance, when considering a doctor for a mentor, read reviews about what people have said about his or her service. Have these people won awards or been recognized for their efforts? Find the best people possible for your students. We owe them that.

CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
The National Association For Gifted Children recommends that you prepare students for the mentorship by making sure they understand the purpose and benefits. In addition, I believe you need to ensure that the mentors understand their roles and responsibilities, before they accept the challenge. Another good idea is for students to prepare for their meetings by drafting questions and reflecting upon what information or experience they would like to receive from their mentors. You dont want to waste the mentors time.

While much more could be written on the subject of mentoring, I hope this blog has at least inspired you to consider a mentoring program at your school. The above tips provide a basic roadmap to beginning a mentoring program in your classroom or at your school. Who knows, you could foster a relationship that could positively affect a child for the rest of their life.