In 2005, twelve PMEA members met during the Summer Professional Development Conference to be trained as mentors. Since its inception, the program has assisted members, developed a webinar series, planned other professional development opportunities, and trained 57 additional members to serve as mentors.
PMEA currently has trained mentors available in every specialty area, instructional level, and demographic area. PMEA mentors are actively teaching in the area and level that they represent. These exemplary professionals are ready to answer any questions music teachers may have about lesson planning, classroom management strategies, assessment and data collection, communication, the SLO process, and to discuss problems both beginning and experienced music educators may be facing in their teaching situation.
If you would like more information about the program or would like to be networked with a mentor, please contact the PMEA Mentor Program Co-Chairs:
Susan Basalik – Methacton School District
Lisa Endler – Woodland Hills School District
Visit the PMEA Mentor Facebook group!
The PMEA Mentor Program is looking for teachers who are interested in becoming trained PMEA mentors. To be a mentor, you must:
- have three or more years of experience at your current position
- complete the 1 hour and 15 minute PMEA Mentor training
- complete a confidentiality statement
- have a sincere desire to help fellow music teachers
What are you signing up for? There are many ways the Mentor Program is involved in helping our membership. Once the above requirements are met, you would be eligible and possibly called on for any of the following:
- to reach out to a member who has specifically asked to be paired with an experienced teacher as a mentor
- to participate in panel discussions or presentations for PCMEA members at colleges and universities
- to chime in on and begin new discussions on the PMEA Mentor Program Facebook Page
- to share your wealth of experience with someone who is looking for good advice
Interested? If you consider yourself to be someone who has a lot to offer the members of PMEA and are willing to share your time, you probably are.
Attention Beginning Teachers and Those of You in New Assignments
You are not alone! PMEA is here to help you get a grip on your new responsibilities. Sign up now to be part of the PMEA Mentor Program. You will be paired with an experienced music educator in a similar setting who has been trained to hear you and help you. Contact PMEA Mentor Program Co-Chairs Susan Basalik and Lisa Endler for more information or to be networked with a mentor.