INTC 2024 Mentor Conference 

Mentoring Matters: Building Relationships and Cultivating Your Skills

More Than Drinking Buddies: Redefining The Role Of Teacher Mentors
Featured Speakers: Alex T. Valencic, Cheri Crawford, Jaclyn Boomgarden, Tara Hersey

In the ever-evolving landscape of post-COVID education, the role of a teacher mentor has become pivotal in shaping the professional journey of new teachers. This session proposes a shift in mentoring strategies, moving away from the traditional "drinking buddy" approach towards a more dynamic and impactful coaching model. Participants will learn about the changes Freeport SD 145 made in recruiting and assigning new teacher mentors and the impact these changes have had on retention and job satisfaction. Come learn what has worked in Freeport and leave with a framework for supporting your mentors and mentees!

The Mentorship Shuffle: Navigating Relationships with a Winning Hand

Featured Speakers: Ally Buczyna, Lindsay Tweedle

Mentors are invited to the table to ‘shuffle’ up their approach to relationship building. Through insightful discussions and interactive exercises, participants will learn to 'read' their mentees, effectively 'bet' on communication strategies, 'raise' trust levels, and skillfully 'play their hand' in diverse mentoring scenarios. This session provides the tools to 'stack the deck' in favor of strong mentor-mentee relationships, enabling them to navigate challenges with the finesse of a seasoned player. Whether you're an experienced mentor or new to the game, this PD will help you 'deal' with mentoring dynamics, ensuring you're always holding a ‘royal flush.’