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MARYLAND TESOL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
VISION
To provide a collaborative space for TESOL professionals from diverse work settings at all stages of their careers to help further their productivity as educators and advocates of English learners across Maryland.
GOAL
- To bring together professionals from across the state who would (1) not otherwise have the opportunity to interact together, and (2) provide and receive guidance, support, motivation, and role modeling as it relates to who they are as members of the TESOL field within our state.
- We are currently looking for TESOL professionals from around the state who (1) are interested in becoming a mentor to others in our field, and (2) want to be menteed by colleagues who can guide them as they grow professionally within TESOL
FAQ
1. What is the overall timeline for the program? Please see below.
2. Who can take part in this program? All mentors and mentees must be Maryland TESOL members by the time the program starts.
3. Are you looking for anything particularly in a Mentor?
Maryland TESOL is looking for professionals from varied TESOL backgrounds and with a plethora of experiences who:
1. Believe in the Mission and Vision of the Maryland TESOL Association;
2. Are open to thinking outside of the box in terms of what it means to be a professional in the TESOL field;
3. Demonstrate foundational principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in their work;
4. Understand what it means to work with and address the needs of English learners and their educators in Maryland specifically;
5. Realize and appreciate that Maryland's English learner populations and the ways they are taught are constantly changing;
6. Recognize the importance of advocating for our English learners AND their stakeholders (e.g., teachers, administrators, school liaisons, support staff);
7. Pursue continuous learning as a self-directed learner, have a measure of self-awareness, and support the need for continued professional development throughout one’s career (including for themselves);
8. Have the drive to listen and be empathetic, maintain a neutral and objective approach, be open-minded and curious to what their colleagues have to share, and provide guidance in addressing others' needs;
9. Are comfortable with providing constructive feedback in a way that meets their mentee's needs;
10. Possess the knowledge for varied types of TESOL career advancement.
4. How do I become a mentor? All interested parties must apply to become a mentor during our application window (July-August). After being verified, all chosen mentors must attend out Mentor Coaching sessions, a 15 hour series taking place from August-November. In these sessions, they will be guided by two of our Past-Presidents on how to become a mentor. Additionally, they will learn who mentors specifically within our field. Activities and homework are an outcome of this series, with a final project that illustrates their mentoring philosophy. All mentors will receive a Certificate of Completion from Maryland TESOL and will be asked to take part in an invited session at our Fall Conference, focusing on the Mentorship Program. There, mentors will begin networking with prospective mentees!
5. How do I become a mentee in the program? First, attend our Fall Conference! There, you will meet the program mentors and discuss their mentoring philosophies, background, etc. Mentee applications will open that day and will remain open until November 28th. All applicants will be notified of their status mid-December and will be matched with a mentor. Meetings with a mentor take place at agreed upon times from January to June. Mentees will be assigned tasks by their mentors to address their TESOL field goals. For more details and to apply to the program, visit our APPLY TO BE A MENTEE page.