Navigating a Continuum of Interaction
Mentoring Matters
by Bruce Wellman and Laurie Lipton
Session facilitated by:
Mary Ellen Leonard
Regional Induction Specialist
Illinois New Teacher Collaborative
University of Illinois
mleonard@roe9.k12.il.us
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Section 2: Learning Focused Interactions:
A Continuum
All materials for
this session have been
developed by
Laura Lipton and
Bruce Wellman.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Who’s in the room?
Select the statement which best describes you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
This is my first encounter with the continuum of
learning-focused interaction.
I have heard or read about the continuum.
I have attended a presentation about the
continuum.
I use the continuum in my practice.
I could lead a workshop on the continuum.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Stem Completion
 On an index card which is in your folder,
complete this stem:
Some beliefs that drive my interactions with
beginning teachers are:
 Share your thinking with an elbow partner.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
OUTCOMES
 To reflect on your roles as mentors/coaches and agents
of change in your schools
 To explore a continuum of learning-focused interaction
including some strategies to support you in your role as
mentors/coaches
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
A Continuum of Learning-Focused Interaction
From Mentoring Matters
presentation by Bruce Wellman
A CONTINUUM OF
LEARNING-FOCUSED INTERACTION
CONSULT
COLLABORATE
Information & Analysis
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
COACH
FLEXIBILITY IN STANCE
CONSULT
from the Latin consultare meaning to give or take counsel.
This moves beyond simple advice giving. To offer counsel
as a growth agent is to provide the “why” “what” and
“how” of your thinking.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
FLEXIBILITY IN STANCE
COLLABORATE
from the Latin collaborare meaning to work together.
As a growth agent, this means creating a space for true,
shared idea generation and reflection with attention to
one’s own impulse control so the colleague has room
and an invitation to fully participate as an equal.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
FLEXIBILITY IN STANCE
COACH
from French – coche, German – kutsche, Hungarian –
kocsi after Kocs, a town in Hungary where fine carriages
were built.
A growth agent as a coach is a vehicle for transporting a
valued colleague from one place to another. It is the
colleague's journey. The coach is a guide and support
system.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Flexibility in Stance
 Consulting (sharing expertise and
providing technical assistance)
 Collaboration (shared planning and
problem solving)
 Coaching (a non-judgmental interaction
which promotes reflection and develops
professional capacity)
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Understanding the 3 C’s
(Stop and Say Something)
1. Find a partner.
2. Individually, read the material provided on the 3
C’s to the designated stopping point.
3. When each partner is ready, stop and
“Say Something.”
(e.g., an example, a connection to your work, a
significant point)
4. Continue the process to the final stopping point.
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Four Stances: A Continuum of Learner Focused
Interaction for Supervisors
“The ultimate aim of each of these stances and their
cumulative effect is to support continuous learning on
the part of the teachers and to enhance their capacity
to engage in productive collegial relationships.”
(Lipton & Wellman)
The Continuum of Learning-focused Interaction
Supervisor
Specialist
Information, analysis, goal
CALIBRATING
Information, analysis, goals
CONSULTING
COLLABORATING
COACHING
Teacher
The Third Point
Mentor
Third Point
Novice
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Internal Third Points
• A recollection or description
• A personal observation
• A statement of concern
• A perception of a problem
• A statement of value or belief
• A judgment
•
•
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
External Third Points
• Samples of student work
• Rubric defining excellence
• A lesson plan
• A curriculum guide
• Standards descriptions (content, student work or effective
teaching)
• Test results
• Individualized educational plan(s)
• Annual reviews
• Parent letters, communications
•
•
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved
Organizing and Integrating
Craft a “One-Word Summary” of this session.
Be prepared to share:
• your word - the ‘what’
• ‘why’ you chose it
Mentoring Matters - Copyright 2004 – MiraVia LLC – All rights reserved