Master Mentors Program

The Teacher Education Program at Newberry College enjoys a strong reputation in the preparation of quality educators for South Carolina and the South. As an NCATE accredited institution, Newberry College maintains close working relationships with area schools as well as a number of state agencies and projects. An example of this type of collaboration is the newly formed Master Mentors.

As a result of the educational leadership provided by the faculty in the teacher education program, the Master Mentors began at Newberry College in August 2007. This group of experienced public school teachers will become uniquely qualified to work with student interns and teachers new to the profession through professional development at the college and through a strong collaboration with the teacher education program.  

Goals of the Master Mentoring Program include:  

• Improving the quality of the intern experience for Newberry College students.
• Providing support to Newberry College graduates and others new to the profession.
• Providing professional development for P12 teachers focused on mentoring.
• Supporting the renewal of the teaching profession by assisting teachers in developing and expanding their leadership abilities.
  
  

Becoming a Member of the Master Mentors:  

Accomplished public school teachers are invited to join the Master Mentors. Acceptance into the program is based, at this time, on previous experience working with student interns and invitation by the College to participate.  The first group of 20 teachers met on August 8 and 9, 2007, for an introductory two day workshop and will meet regularly throughout the academic year. During this year, the teachers will explore their understanding of such issues as:  

• Using inquiry to improve classroom instruction.
• The value of professional collaboration.
• Teacher leadership.
• Educational renewal.
• The role of mentors and the foundations of mentoring.
• The scholarship of teaching.
• Implementing the new ADEPT standards in SC.
• Being a critical part of the Newberry College Teacher Education Program. 

Each participant will participate in a book study on mentoring, including in-depth conversations with other mentors and college faculty. Each teacher will also participate in an inquiry project to explore issues affecting student and teacher success in schools. The results of the inquiry projects will be presented at a conference so that others in the teaching profession can share in and benefit from the scholarship of the Master Mentors. Newberry College will draw on the expertise of Master Mentors when evaluating, revising and advancing its teacher education program.

 Members of the Master Mentors will:

• Offer improved support for College interns, graduates and others new to the profession.
• Understand and accept the responsibilities of teacher leadership both within their schools and the larger education community.
• Be knowledgeable about best practice and current issues in education.
• Participate and appreciate the scholarship of teaching.
• Develop relationships with other accomplished teachers.
• Engage in critical analysis of their role as teacher educators and the responsibilities involved in mentoring those new to the profession.