Mentoring

Mentoring

Why Mentoring Matters 

Starting a new teaching position can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our faculty mentoring program connects new faculty with experienced colleagues who can help them navigate the ins and outs of teaching at ACC. Mentors provide guidance, share insights, and serve as supportive resources. The goal is to foster a collaborative and welcoming environment that helps new faculty thrive. 

What Mentors Do 

Mentors support new faculty in a variety of ways, including: 

• Offering advice on preparing syllabi, structuring lectures, and leading discussions

• Helping navigate administrative requirements and college policies

• Discussing strategies for student engagement, retention, and classroom management

• Sharing teaching tools, assessment methods, and professional development opportunities

• Providing feedback after classroom visits (if agreed upon)
  
  

Becoming a Mentor 

Faculty who wish to serve as mentors must meet the following criteria: 

• Have at least three years of teaching experience at ACC

• Maintain an overall evaluation rating of very good or excellent

• Complete Faculty Mentor Training every three years to stay on the Faculty Mentor List

• Commit to approximately 10 hours per semester of mentoring support

• Serve as a positive role model and resource for new faculty
  
  

Stipends & Recognition 

Mentors receive a $200 stipend per mentee upon successful completion of mentoring activities. Mentors serve for the good of their discipline, for the good of their colleagues, and for the good of ACC students. The stipend is a token of gratitude for this service. 

How Mentoring Works 

New faculty are paired with mentors.  Mentors and mentees meet regularly throughout the semester to discuss key topics such as syllabus preparation, classroom management, assessments, and student engagement strategies. A classroom visit may also be arranged if the mentee finds it helpful. Toward the end of the semester, mentors and mentees review grading policies, faculty evaluations, and overall experiences. Finally, mentors and mentees return their completed Checklists to Sue Bloodsworth. 

Interested in Becoming a Mentor? 

Faculty who meet the criteria and are passionate about supporting new colleagues can sign up using the I Want to Be a Mentor form.  For more information, contact jill.bosche@austincc.edu.