University of South Dakota

Professional Development Center Mentor Teacher Competencies

1. Commits to the Roles and Responsibility of Mentoring
2. • Dedicates regular time to the mentee
   • Assists the mentee despite obstacles
   • Models self-reflection and self-assessment
2. Accepts the Beginning Teacher as a Developing
3. • Professional Understands the common problems of beginning teachers
   • Applies theories of adult learning
   • Anticipates the needs of the mentee
3. Reflects on Interpersonal Communications and Decisions
4. • Reflects on what, where, when, and how to communicate with mentee
   • Adjusts communication style to needs of the mentee
   • Respects the confidentiality of the relationship
   • Discusses one's own professional challenges
   • Models effective helping relationship skills
4. Serves as an Instructional Coach
5. • Engages the mentee in team planning and teaching whenever possible
   • Has knowledge of effective teaching practices
   • Models openness to new ideas and instructional practices
   • Uses clinical cycle of instructional support
5. Models a Commitment to Personal and Professional Growth
6. • Lives the life of a learner
   • Sees the mentee as a fellow student of teaching and learning
   • Pursues own professional growth opportunities
   • Advises mentee on professional growth opportunities
6. Communicates Hope and Optimism for the Future
7. • Encourages and praises the mentee
   • Holds and communicates high expectations for the mentee
   • Shows positive attitude toward the teaching profession
   • Avoids criticism of students, parents, and colleagues
   • Models personal and professional self-efficacy 
7. Commitment to School Improvement
8. • Leads curriculum/program improvements
   • Offers/facilitates professional development opportunities
   • Completes district special projects
   • Teacher leader/change agent

Adapted from work of James B. Rowley, University of Dayton