As a first time teacher what do mentoring programs lack?

Question

As a first time teacher what do mentoring programs lack?

Answer 1

It really does depend on who your mentor is.  If they take their role as mentor seriously, a mentor can be very helpful.  If the mentor is not as helpful as you hoped, maybe you can buddy up to someone who is teaching the same grade/subject as you.  Make sure you ask your principal to observe teachers in your building to get a variety of ideas.  

It seemed like the mentor program I went through had a lot of paperwork that seemed unnecessary, but it got me ready for when I was observed by the state.  By the time the state evaluator came, I felt completely ready and passed easily.

Answer 2

My mentor liked to tell me things that I already learned in grad. school and would threaten to leave the class when the kids acted up (not a very good role model for classroom management). There is so much paperwork (I haven't even started). I have little support in terms of practical help...very little modeling, helping students in the classroom, etc. It's just preaching what to do without actually providing hands-on assistance. I also would lose my prep periods since that's when my mentor would come to my class to talk. It was more of a burden than a help.

Answer 3

Time to get together properly. To discuss ideas, programmes, resources etc...There is so much to learn that work shadowing does a much better job.