Why Mentoring?
In this module we will be looking at the role mentoring plays in the field
of paraeducating. We all have ideas about who can be a mentor, but as paraeducators
we need to be thinking more about how mentoring works for us. We will be
exploring what a mentor is and how we as paraeducators can become mentors
for others.
The Indiana Paraeducator Support Project (IPSP) has developed this module
to give a little background and some practical advice and tools on mentoring.
While we designed the pages to be done in order, there is no need to do
them that way. You may decide to choose pages that seem of interest to you
at first, and move to others as you see the need. Please feel free to contact
our office if you have questions, or are in need of some support.
Office phone: 317-274-3326
E-mail: scraycro@iupui.edu OR fisherm@iupui.edu
What you will know and be able to do at the end of this module
1. The definition of mentor.
2. Why mentors are important people.
3. Who can be a mentor.
4. What it means to be a good mentor.
5. Reflect upon your own experiences of being a new paraeducator.
6. How mentoring is a life-long job.
CEC Paraeducator Performance Standards
This module has been designed to support paraeducators in meeting the following Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) performance standards for paraeducators:
Standard 9: Professional and Ethical Practice – Skill # 3
• Act as a role model for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
Standard 9: Professional and Ethical Practice - Skill #7
• Maintain a high level of competence and integrity.
Standard 9: Professional and Ethical Practice - Skill #10
• Engage in activities to increase one’s own knowledge and skills.
Standard 10: Collaboration - Skill #2
• Collaborate with stakeholders as directed.
Standard 10: Collaboration - Skill #3
• Foster respectful and beneficial relationships.
Standard 10: Collaboration - Skill #5
• Function in a manner that demonstrates a positive regard for the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of paraeducators and those of professionals.
IPSP
Module Series