Mentoring Network      

Click here to enroll.

We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own. 

-Ben Sweetland

Historical Perspective

TMEA was initially established in 1920 to support and improve the quality of teaching in Texas music classrooms. Historically, TMEA recognized outstanding programs and master teachers as models of excellence for the music educators of our state.

During the TMEA 2000 Conference held in the summer of 1998, it was strongly emphasized that TMEA needed to be more involved in the training and retention of music educators. Thus, TMEA is established a Mentoring Network in an effort to support our music teacher colleagues.

"A mentor teacher program not only offers obvious benefits to beginning and experienced teachers, it also provides a means to recognize the expertise of the faculty and promotes cooperation, interaction, and teamwork, which have a positive impact on the school climate" (Prosise and Heller 1993, p. 22). In an interactive mentoring system, all participants benefit. “The concept of mentoring not only enhances the mentor and the beginning teacher, but provides educators with the vehicle for professionalizing the system of education by sharing competencies, by working in collaboration with others, and by raising individual self-esteem through the pride of nurturing another adult” (Brown & Peterson 1991, p. 86).
 
With Mentoring, New Music Teachers		 Without Mentoring, New Music Teachers
* Can Focus on Professional Development.
 		 * Focus on Day-to-Day survival
*
 Are more apt to remain active music educators through
successful induction.
 		 *
 Leave the profession at a rate of 50% in the first 5 years.
*
 Experience reduced stress through collaboration with
other music educators.
 		 *
 Experience increased stress due to subject-sensitive
isolationism.
 
*
 Benefit from the highly valued expertise and modeling of veteran teachers.
 		 *
 Are unable to take advantage of veteran teachers' knowledge base.
 
 
Would You Like to BE A Mentor? 		 
Would You Like to HAVE A Mentor?
*
 Would you like to take a personal interest in
welcoming newcomers?
 		 *
 Are you new to the profession?
*
 Would you like to nurture a person of talent and ability?
 		 *
 Are you new to your region?
*
 Would you like to share your knowledge and
experience with others?
 		 *
 Are you new to music education
in Texas?
*
 Would you like to broaden your own perspectives and gain
new levels of expertise?
 		 *
 Are you looking for new levels
of expertise?

If you answered YES to any of the above, join the

TMEA Mentoring Network

by completing the online enrollment form.
(TMEA Members only please)

 

Click here to enroll.

 

 © 2005 TMEA
Updated: 08/14/06