Getting Started Program
This Progam aims to support Indigenous students through their tertiary teaching studies so that they achieve personal and professional success which results in them gaining employment as teachers on completion of their University studies. The Getting Started Program is designed to encompass two types of mentoring - a one-to-one mentoring relationship established between the Indigenous student and the school principal (or other staff member). The other model is a school-based mentoring program that takes place at the school during school hours (or immediately after).
The Mentee would participate in the school-based activities as a volunteer. Some resources may be available to assist the mentee in any costs associated with participation in the Program (eg transport, Criminal History Check, etc). This would be negotiated between the mentee and the School Principal.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Getting Started Program is to empower Indigenous young people undertaking teaching studies to receive career guidance and advice and to have positive in-school experiences that enable them to maximize their personal and professional potential and ultimately to gain employment as a graduate teacher and to become an involved member of a school community.
- Why be involved?
- Training
- The Staff Mentor
- Eligibility Criteria
- The Closure Process
- How to get involved
Why be involved?
The Getting Started Program can provide a range of experiences for the Indigenous mentee. Here are some activities that the school could provide.
| Plan an interesting range of activities that meet the needs and interests of mentee and document in an Action Plan. | Establish a one-to-one relationship with an Indigenous mentee via phone, face-to-face meetings, SMS/email, Facebook. |
| Set up communication strategies – email, SMS, face-to-face meetings. | Provide a Staff Mentor to work with the mentee. |
| Invite to school events e.g. Speech Day; Parent Evenings; Careers Days; Faculty meetings; Staff meetings. | Provide professional experience placements. This could include additional placements beyond the requirements of the University program. |
| Assist Mentee to explore careers in teaching and write a resume, job application or portfolio. Help with University assignments. | Facilitate professional experience placements at other Independent Schools. |
| Invite participation in staff professional development e.g. First Aid, Mandatory Notification, literacy and numeracy, etc. | Provide opportunities for work shadowing with non-teaching staff e.g. Librarian; Special Education; Careers Counsellor; etc. |
| Provide opportunities for mentee to work with Indigenous students. | Provide employment as Boarding House Tutor. |
Training
The mentor and the mentee will be provided with some initial training at no cost to them. The training program could include the following:
- clarification of roles and responsibilities
- organisational aspects of the program
- clarification of the time commitment and other requirements
- policies and procedures (duty of care; confidentiality; OHSW; privacy; supervision)
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characteristics of positive relationships
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appropriate relations with school students (including protective behaviours)
- relationship boundaries and limitations
- building skills and knowledge e.g. communication, cultural awareness, problem solving
- tips for constructive relationships
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closure procedures.
The Staff Mentor
The school-based mentoring program uses experienced teachers as Staff Mentors who commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young Indigenous teaching student for a period of time. The time period will be negotiated with the school and may be extended or shortened (or terminated) with the agreement of both parties.
Eligibility Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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18 years of age or older
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Willing to adhere to program policies and procedures
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Negotiates the time commitment with the School
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Agrees to regular contact with Staff Mentor
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Negotiates the school-based activities for the Program with Principal and Staff Mentor
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Agrees to attend Mentee/mentor training
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Has reliable transportation
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Has drivers’ licence, insurance (if required)
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Has provided (or is willing to provide) a Criminal History Check
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Has met all other screening and induction requirements of the School
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Supports the values and ethos of the School
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The Closure Process