Empower & Support the Next Generation of Educators
⚙️ Highly Effective Teaching & Leading 🆓 Free for GOCSD Members
GOCSD Members may request access to this course for free. Within 24 hours you will receive an email invite. You can then follow the steps in the GOCSD Catalog Guide for help accepting enrollment in the course.
About this Course
Unlock the full potential of mentorship with our comprehensive masterclass, designed to equip mentors with the tools and strategies necessary to guide new teachers towards excellence. Beyond mere guidance, mentors play multifaceted roles encompassing modeling, coaching, instructing, collaborating, and encouraging.
Whether you're a seasoned mentor looking to refine your skills or a novice seeking guidance, this program offers practical, easily implemented steps to enhance your mentorship capabilities. Our masterclass covers it all from:
Building trusting relationships
Supporting new teachers in developing pedagogical skills
Transitioning to the professional world
Session 1
Discover the essence of mentoring and the profound significance of your role. During this session, you will:
Learn about the traits and characteristics that shape an effective mentor
Understand the pivotal role confidentiality plays in fostering trust
Delve into the critical components necessary to guide your mentee through the journey of the upcoming school year to ensure a supportive experience for you both.
Facilitated by: Dr. Debbie Yonke, Mrs. Alana Randles, and Mrs. Brittany Flowers
Session 2
In this session we will dig into the dynamic journey and phases of beginning teachers. During this time we will also:
Prioritize the cultivation of effective relationships
Learn how to tackle communication challenges head-on while fostering trust and collaboration
Share additional tools to equip you to better serve and empower your mentee.
Facilitated by: Dr. Debbie Yonke, Mrs. Brooke Gantt, and Mrs. Amber Leonard
Session 3
As we continue to explore the needs of new teachers, it is critical to identify specific types of support needed at different times and phases of the school year. From classroom management and curriculum development to knowing what is typical for each part of the school year, this on-going and timely support is critical for success. During this session we will explore these topics, as well as some tips to share with your mentee around classroom best practices, personal wellness and self-care strategies for busy and stressful seasons.
Facilitated by: Dr. Debbie Yonke, Mrs. Allison Boyer, and Dr. KyAnne Weaver
Session 4
In this engaging session we'll explore practical ways to support our mentees as they navigate the final stretch of the school year. Discover how to guide them in reflecting on their achievements and overcoming challenges, paving the way for growth and development in the upcoming year. It's time to equip ourselves with effective strategies and empower our mentees to finish strong!
Facilitated by: Dr. Debbie Yonke, Dr. Vicki Schmitt, and Dr. Greg Katzin
Facilitators
Dr. Debbie Yonke
Director of Professional Learning
GOCSD
Dr. Debbie Yonke retired as the Director of Professional Learning and Instructional Support at Republic Schools. During her 30-year career in public education, she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and curriculum director. Her professional goal is to empower and support educators so that they might equip their students for a successful future. She has been blessed to serve alongside many other amazing educators in the Republic, Willard and Springfield districts and collaborate with leaders and teachers throughout Missouri. She also has had the opportunity to collaborate with educators throughout the nation as a Cooperative Learning Trainer and also partner with non-profit organizations to train teachers in both Cambodia and Ethiopia. In her free time, Dr. Yonke enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve who is a retired educator, their 3 daughters and grandchildren.
Mrs. Alana Randles
K-6 Instructional Specialist
Logan Rogersville School District
In addition to her current role as K-6 technology instructional coach for the Logan-Rogersville School District, Mrs. Randles also supports new teachers in their implementation of best practices for universal instruction. With over 20 years of classroom experience, Mrs. Randles is dedicated to fostering a culture of reflection, inspiration, and lifelong learning among new teachers. Through her mentorship, Mrs. Randles hopes to cultivate a community of educators who are not only skilled professionals but also fervent seekers of knowledge, constantly striving to innovate and grow their practice. Her mission is to empower new teachers to become not just educators, but lifelong learners and champions of inspiration in the classroom.
Mrs. Brittany Flowers
Instructional Coach
Marshfield Schools
Brittany Flowers is an Elementary Instructional Coach in the Marshfield R-1 School District with over a decade of elementary experience. Brittany is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment of shared expertise where both students and teachers can thrive. In her current role, Brittany supports teachers on a journey of continual growth and innovation to improve their educational practice and impact learning.
Mrs. Brooke Gantt
Curriculum Specialist
Nixa School District
Brooke Gantt currently serves as Nixa Public Schools Professional Learning Specialist and Grant Writer Coordinator. In addition, during her 23 years in public education, she has served as a classroom teacher in urban and suburban school districts and as an instructional and curriculum specialist. Her passion is to inspire and support students, families, and educators in seeking new challenges, ideas and experiences that create the pursuit of lifelong learning. Brooke is an art enthusiast who enjoys travel adventures and time with her family. Her favorite setting to relax and refuel is by the pool, on the lake or at the beach.
Mrs. Amber Leonard
Curriculum Federal Programs Instructional Coach
Thayer School District
Amber Leonard serves as Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs for the Thayer School District. In addition, she serves as Instructional Coach and works to support new hires and early career teachers in her district.
Dr. KyAnne Weaver
Secondary Education Instructional Coach & District Mentor Coordinator Marshfield School District
With almost 40 years of working with students and families, through teaching pre-K-12, as well as serving within community organizations from coast-to-coast and overseas, KyAnne is passionate about supporting teachers and educational leaders in fostering success in the lives of young people. Weaver and her husband, Kevin, enjoy their growing family (especially their eight grandchildren), University of Kansas basketball, and camping across America.
Mrs. Allison Boyer
7-8 Instructional Coach
Logan Rogersville School District
Mrs. Allison Boyer brings a wealth of experience to her role as an Instructional Coach with the Logan-Rogersville school district. With more than two decades in education, Allison has a deep understanding of teaching methods and curriculum development which assists her in supporting teachers in their instructional practices. She plays a crucial role in fostering professional growth among teachers which leads to improved student outcomes. Allison is passionate about supporting new teachers and provides the guidance, resources and encouragement these educators need as they navigate the complexities of the professions. She understands that new teachers benefit from mentors who can offer insights, share best practices, and provide encouragement during their early years in the classroom.
Dr. Vicki Schmitt
Executive Director of Elementary Learning
Logan Rogersville School District
Dr. Schmitt is beginning her fifteenth year with the Logan-Rogersville School District where she serves as the Executive Director of Elementary Learning. During her nearly 30-year career in education, Vicki has worked in both the PK-12 and university settings. This diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing educators at all levels. Her passion is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that educational strategies are not only research-based but also practical and effective in the real-world classroom setting. She prioritizes professional learning and is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Vicki believes in the power of collaboration and creating supportive networks for educators dedicated to professional growth.
Dr. Greg Katzin
Executive Director of Secondary Learning
Logan Rogersville School District
Beginning his twentieth year in the Logan-Rogersville School District, Dr. Katzin has been a high school social studies teacher, instructional coach, Director of Optional Learning and Technology Integration, and currently the Executive Director of Secondary Learning. Passionate about supporting others to reach their professional potential, Dr. Katzin's mission is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where educators can thrive. Dr. Katzin's ultimate goal is to ensure that every educator has the resources they need to be their best to positively impact students.
GOLearn Professional Learning Framework
