Education Mentor

Education Mentor

The Mentor Teacher works with education staff to support them in effectively developing appropriate environments and curriculum, and planning educational experiences for children ages 0-5. The Mentor Teacher will model, consult and provide guidance and resources to the education staff, in a team approach with the Head Start Education Manager, Early Head Start Education Manager, and Professional Development Manager.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• The mentor teacher is based at a Head Start site, yet may travel to any of the Head Start/Early Head Start centers in the seven county areas.
• Work involves the responsibility for training individual teachers and assistants in planning, developing, and implementing the Head Start/Early childhood education program
• Allow teachers and other education staff to observe the mentor and other classroom staff, and lead discussions on what was demonstrated.
• Gives guidance and ideas regarding classroom/time management, discipline, scheduling, planning, and organizing the day.
• Assists teachers and assistants in analyzing and arranging the physical environment of the Head Start classroom.
• Offers support to teachers and assistants by listening and sharing own experiences.
• Utilizes leadership style that is developmentally appropriate for individual teachers and other education staff.
• Models professionalism for staff such as working cooperatively with peers and continuing own professional development.
• Observes teaching staff and shares observations and recommendations with Education Manager and Site Supervisor.
• Documents training and assistance provided
• Assist with orientation, observation and training in Conscious Discipline social/emotional curriculum with staff.
• Work with Education Team to follow up on referrals/recommendations for education staff.
• Assist with educational observations and provide information to Education Team.
• In consultation with the Education Team, provide mentoring, coaching, guidance and direction for Education staff in the performance of their duties in the classroom or home visits.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency utilizing TS Gold and other program systems and assist with technical assistance for education staff.
• Assist with pre- and in-service training.
• Participate in Early/Head Start training and career development activities.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Baccalaureate degree in early childhood education
• At least five years of experience teaching in a preschool, classroom based setting.
• Child development Associate credential (CDA)
• Experience working with adults in a coaching capacity and the ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Proficient in the use and computer and related information technologies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain status of reliability using the CLASS tool.
• Knowledge of infant/toddler and preschool curriculum, developmentally appropriate practice, screening and assessment tools, and high quality early childhood education.
• Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
• Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws governing facilities for licensed day care facilities, including fire/safety and sanitation.
• Ability to obtain knowledge of the purpose, goals and objectives of the Head Start Program.