Mentor Checklist

MENTOR CHECKLIST

1. BEFORE YOU GO TO VISIT YOUR MENTEE, call the school to check if your mentee is at school that day if they have a history of absenteeism or tardiness. This will save you an unnecessary trip if he/she is absent or on a field trip.

2. BE SURE TO HONOR YOUR COMMITMENT. MAINTAIN CONSISTENT AND REGULAR ATTENDANCE. Kids are really disappointed when you don't visit with them regularly. They are proud of you and like to show you off.

3. ALWAYS CHECK IN at the front office and wear your visitor’s name tag.

4. COMPLETE THE VISITATION FORM. This confirms that you are visiting and gives vital information about your mentee.

5. WORK WITHIN THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL as set out by the principal. Lend a sympathetic ear to students and teachers. 

6. RELAY ANY CONCERNS OR PROBLEMS TO THE School Contact Person.

7. DO NOT MAKE PROMISES YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO KEEP. This especially applies to “secrets” that your mentee may share.... the school authorities or parents may NEED to know the circumstances.

8. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE NOT TAKING THE PLACE OF THE PARENT. Let them handle discipline and punishment.

9. IT IS NOT YOUR ROLE TO BE A SANTA CLAUS to the student. Sometimes the mentees expect gifts, outside activities, etc. You should give gifts where appropriate (check with school contact): birthday, Christmas, something special such as improved grades. YOUR TIME AND SPECIAL ATTENTION ARE MUCH MORE VALUABLE TO THE STUDENT.

10. DON’T EXPECT A MIRACULOUS TURNAROUND WITH YOUR STUDENT. Most of us want to see a fast change, but this seldom occurs. You will need to build a feeling of trust and respect and that will take time. Many times, you may feel that you are getting little response. Don’t despair! Some children have a difficult time showing their feelings directly to you, but will “brag” about you after you leave.

QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MENTOR

1. RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR ABILITIES AND THEIR RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES IN LIFE.

Mentors should not approach the mentee with the attitude that their own ways are better or that mentees need rescuing. Mentors who convey respect and equal dignity in the relationship earn their mentees' trust and the privilege of advising them.

2. PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO BE INVOLVED WITH ANOTHER PERSON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME --- GENERALLY ONE YEAR AT A MINIMUM.

Mentors have a genuine desire to be part of other people’s lives, to help them with tough decisions and to see them become the best they can be. You have to invest in the mentoring relationship over the long haul to stay long enough to make a difference.

3. ABILITY TO LISTEN AND TO ACCEPT DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.

Most people can find someone who will give advice or express opinions. It’s much harder to find someone who will suspend their own judgment and really listen. Mentors often help simply by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and giving mentees space to explore their own thoughts with minimal interference. When people feel accepted, they are more likely to ask for and respond to good ideas.

4. ABILITY TO EMPATHIZE WITH ANOTHER PERSON’S STRUGGLES.

Effective mentors can interact with people without pity. Even without having had the same life experiences, they can empathize with their mentee’s feelings and personal problems.

5. ABILITY TO SEE SOLUTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS BARRIERS.

Effective mentors balance a realistic respect for the real, serious problems their mentees face with optimism about finding equally realistic solutions. They can make sense of a seemingly jumbled set of issues and point out sensible alternatives.

6. FLEXIBILITY AND OPENNESS.

Effective mentors recognize that relationships take time to develop and that communication is a two-way street. They take the time to get to know their mentees, learn what matters to them (music, styles, philosophies, etc.), and even let their relationships change them.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD MENTOR?

Many people think mentoring requires special skills, but mentors are simply good role models.

Mentors listen: They maintain eye contact and give mentees their full attention

Mentors guide: Mentors are there to help their mentees find life direction, never to push them

Mentors are practical: They give insights about staying on task and setting goals and priorities

Mentors educate: Mentors educate about life and their own careers

Mentors provide insight: Mentors use their personal experience to help their mentees avoid mistakes and learn from good decisions

Mentors are accessible: Mentors are available as a resource and a sounding board

Mentors criticize constructively: When necessary, mentors point out areas that need improvement, always focusing on the mentee’s behavior, never his/her character

Mentors are supportive: No matter how painful the mentee’s experience, mentors continue to encourage them to learn and improve

Mentors care: Mentors care about their mentees’ progress in school and career planning, as well as their personal development

Mentors succeed: Mentors not only are successful themselves, but they also foster success in others

Mentors are admirable: Mentors are usually well-respected in their organizations and in the community