Supporting Services Mentoring Program

Mentoring Program Definition The Mentoring Program of MCPS provides mentors to both new employees and existing staff to help them excel in their role, direct them to training and on-the-job work experiences, and prepare them for career development opportunities.

The Mentoring Program … Is voluntary Pairs a volunteer MCPS employee mentor with an employee who is interested in working with a mentor/coach Helps new employees adjust to their jobs Helps existing employees excel in their jobs

The Mentoring Program … Provides an opportunity for employees to learn about career advancement opportunities Provides employees with guidance on useful training to work towards personal professional goals

Benefits Of Mentoring Mentoring… Fosters satisfied and productive employees Sustains a culture of respect Improves recruitment Boosts retention Increases organizational agility and capacity Builds a professional learning community Creates a positive work environment in a self-renewing organization

An Example – A Bus Driver Training – new driver participates in extensive driver and safety training Tutoring – a buddy is assigned to a new driver for a two-day period to review the MCPS DOT policies and procedures; new driver drives a run Coaching – a BRS rides along with a new driver to ensure understanding Mentoring – an employee with supervisory and interview skills assists a bus driver who wants to apply for a BRS position

How Does The Program Work? Mentee selects mentor from the Supporting Services Mentoring Program conference folder on Outlook Mentee initiates the contact with the mentor Mentee reviews mentoring objectives (mentor request form) with mentor

How Does The Program Work? If both agree that prospects are positive, they schedule a meeting They sign a Mentor – Mentee Agreement and submit copy to mentor coordinator They may maintain official mentoring relationship for up to 12 months If prospects are not positive, mentee seeks another mentor candidate

What Kinds Of Support Should A Mentor Provide…And A Mentee Expect? Strategize career opportunity paths within the system Explore possibilities for new kinds of work Suggest sources of training, coaching, and tutoring Model successful employee practices

What Kinds Of Support Should A Mentor Provide…And A Mentee Expect? Offer tips for contributing to positive workplace environment Recommend ways to cope with difficult situations Provide encouragement and empathy Direct towards resources in and out of MCPS for personal and professional counseling

Mentor Basic Requirements Be with MCPS for at least five years, be in good standing, and be willing to assume this responsibility Have a breadth of experience, e.g., participation in MCPS committees and/or collaboration committees, volunteer activities and work experiences outside of MCPS

Mentor Basic Requirements Commit to confidentiality of content as it relates to mentor relationship Employed by MCPS (not restricted to supporting services personnel)* * cannot be a supervisor of the mentee

Mentor Skills Communicates effectively (written and verbal) Possesses strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills Demonstrates professionalism Exhibits leadership qualities

Mentor Skills Possesses high level organizational skills Solves problems efficiently and effectively Commits to MCPS and its stakeholders

Mentor Duties Establish a supportive relationship with the mentee Help the mentee identify skill areas for development Meet with the mentee for four hours a month Maintain a mentor log and submit it online every month

Mentor Duties Suggests ways to communicate effectively with others Promotes awareness about various positions in supporting services departments at MCPS Provides resources and access to networking opportunities

Mentee Eligibility Have permanent status Not in PAR or on special evaluation Submit a mentor request form

Mentee’s Responsibilities Commit to the process and be willing to meet before and after duty hours Be willing to act on feedback from mentor Provide feedback on the program

How Do I Get Started? Complete mentor request form Review mentor profiles Select mentor and initiate contact

Need More Information Contact the Career Pathways Program Specialist: Nathalie Bourdereau 301-217-5115 www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org