GPPSS Virtual School Mentor

GPPSS Virtual School Mentor

The GPPSS Virtual School Mentor is a GPEA bargaining unit member who provides professional support to students enrolled in the GPPSS Virtual School (GPVS). The Mentor serves as a local point of connection for students and families participating in the District's 100% virtual program and supports student progress, engagement, attendance, and successful participation in the virtual learning environment.

Program Structure & Assignment

• Position Type:
  Extra Duty/Extra Pay (EPED)
• Student Load:
  Maximum of ten (10) GP VS students per Mentor, per semester.
• Course Load:
  Each Mentor is responsible for each assigned student's full virtual course load, defined as six (6) courses per semester.
• Compensation: $100 per student, per semester, for each virtual learning course. A student enrolled in six courses generates Mentor compensation of $600 per semester.
• Payment:
  Mentor compensation will be paid in the first payroll following the conclusion of each semester and will be subject to MPSERS contributions.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Progress & Support
• Progress Monitoring:
  Monitor the progress of assigned students within the virtual learning program and applicable Learning Management System (LMS) and Student Information System (SIS).
• Student & Family Communication:
  Communicate with assigned students and families regarding student progress, engagement, attendance, and participation and respond to inquiries in a timely fashion.
• Student Support:
  Support students in developing habits and strategies that promote successful participation in a virtual learning environment, including organization, time management, and self-directed learning.
• Connecting to Support:
  Connect students and families with appropriate resources and support when academic, technical, or other needs or concerns arise.
• Engagement & Attendance:
  Monitor student engagement and attendance consistent with established District procedures.
• District Coordination:
  Coordinate with GPPSS Administration as needed regarding student progress, engagement, attendance, and support.

Work Hours & Expectations

Mentor responsibilities shall be completed during preparation periods, lunch, before or after school, or other non-instructional time. Mentors are not expected to maintain continuous availability outside of the contractual workday. Mentors are expected to respond to student and family inquiries in a timely fashion. Parents or other designated family members of students enrolled in GP VS may elect to attend the Mentor's regularly scheduled Parent/Teacher Conferences in accordance with the negotiated  GPPSS/GPEA calendar.

GPVS is a 100% virtual program. In-person "drop-in support" is not available to students enrolled in the program.

Qualifications

• Must be a GPEA bargaining unit member and appropriately placed under a valid Michigan teaching certificate.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive and supportive relationships with students and families.
• Ability to monitor student progress, engagement, and attendance and communicate concerns effectively.
• Comfort navigating Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), and other technology used to support virtual learning.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Prior or current experience working with online learning or virtual learning platforms preferred.