What is the mentoring program?
It is an outgrowth of the year-long work of the New Media in Instruction Committee (NMIC) with the goal of providing opportunities for Jefferson State faculty, experienced in the use of technology, to share their knowledge with other Jefferson State faculty and at the same time to earn rewards for having achieved the level of training that enables them to be mentors. The ultimate benefactors, of course, should be both students, who will receive a better classroom experience, and the college, who will have increasing numbers faculty trained in technology.
How would being a mentor benefit me?
Mentors will receive a benefits package, which may include such options as the following: laptops (owned by school but assigned to mentors); other hardware, as appropriate, for use by mentors and protégés; attendance of NMIC conferences (over and above IAP funds); a work study student to help with responsibilities; office space or work area; stipend.
Who can be a mentor?
The mentors will be Jefferson State faculty members who have been selected and have earned the Faculty Certificate in Technology. In addition to having the Faculty Certificate in Technology, a prospective mentor must have the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated/documented record of technological innovation in the classroom
- Demonstrated competencies as effective communicator
- Ability to work with people, which includes but is not limited to such qualities as friendliness and trustworthiness
- faculty member
- Apparent enthusiasm for and demonstrated dedication towards use of technology in the classroom
- Willingness to work across academic disciplines
- Willingness to share techniques, strategies, knowledge
- Completion of interview/survey form
- Willingness to uphold guidelines provided
- Recommendation by department chair
How do I find out about the Faculty Certificate in Technology?
This certificate is an outgrowth of the work of the NMIC Committee and provides a wonderful professional development opportunity with great rewards. Information is posted on Instructional Technology Academy (ITA)
What would be my responsibilities as a mentor?
The following should provide a good idea:
- Attend mentor orientation and mentor meetings
- Act as a facilitator (may not be expert in all areas but will help protégé find necessary resources)
- Conduct small group seminars as necessary
- Be aggressive/assertive in finding faculty who would be good candidates as protégés (meet with department chairs, for example)
- Be available
- Complete eportfolio or other measure of accountability to be reviewed by mentoring subcommittee
- Be willing to help create showcase of work
- Uphold guidelines as published on Jeffnet and ITA site.
The program lasts a year or two semesters and a summer session.
What do I need to do to apply?
The first step is to familiarize yourself in greater depth with the program; read over the documents posted on Jeffnet and the ITA site related to mentoring. Note especially the mentor guidelines. Next, download an Interest Inventory form and a recommendation form. Completed Interest Inventory form and recommendation by department chair or program supervisor should be sent to the Mentoring Subcommittee chair, Samuel Jones ([email protected]).
How many mentors will be selected?
Two per campus.
Who will do the selecting?
The Interest Inventory form and recommendation will be viewed first by the NMIC Committee, who will make recommendations that will be sent to the dean for final approval.
