MN NATS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Minnesota NATS is pleased to announce a new program. Our mentorship program will begin this fall to assist relatively new voice teachers (private studio, college/university, or high school) in their teaching career by pairing them with a NATS member who teaches in a similar venue and has had a number of years of teaching experience.

Voice teachers may apply to be a mentee (deadline for applications is November 15. Those applying before November 1 will be paired with a mentor before the fall auditions to enable mentorship pairs to meet during the audition weekend.) Mentors will be chosen by the MN-NATS Mentorship Committee.

 

OBJECTIVE: To pair a relatively new or beginning voice teacher with a mid-career, experienced voice teacher in order to:

  • Offer encouragement and support
  • Be an advocate
  • Encourage and model the values of good teaching
  • Serve as a resource person - providing specific information such as how to set up a private studio, or strategies for going through the promotion tenure process
  • Help point mentee in appropriate direction for finding resources, professional development, etc.
  • Foster professional dialogue
  • Be a positive role model
  • Listen to the needs and ideas of the mentee
  • Encourage reflection on his/her experiences
  • Share experiences but keep the focus on the mentee
  • The responsibility of defining the mentoring relationship rests in the interests and capabilities of both parties as equal members.

DESIRED MENTOR CHARACTERISTICS:
  • Trustworthy
  • Willing to take time to think carefully about the mentee's needs and goals
  • Be a positive, encouraging, supportive, empowering role model Actively listen
  • Respected voice teacher and current member in good standing of MN NATS

Note: It is expected that the mentor will vary her/his role to meet the needs of the specific mentee. We encourage you to visit each other's studios or classrooms, communicate by phone or e-mail, share ideas, and explore new pedagogies and research methods. Frequently, new voice teachers bring fresh insights to seasoned teachers.

APPLICATION: Applications to be in the mentoring program should be obtained from Janet Ahern (ahernjt@morris.umn.edu or 320-589-2474) and should be returned by November 15, 2003.

CONTRACT: Each mentorship team member will sign a contract agreeing to meet a minimum of once a month (in person, via phone, or e-mail) and will treat all communication as confidential.

COMPENSATION: Chosen mentors will receive a $50 honorarium per year. Both mentor and mentee will be able to apply for mileage reimbursement for two visits to the other's studio or classroom per year @ 24 cents per mile.

APPLICATION FORM

ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT: