Mentoring Programme for Teaching Staff

Concept

THE MENTORING PROGRAMME FOR TEACHING STAFF is a programme in which experienced Vilnius University educators with knowledge and competencies in teaching activities exchange best practices with their new colleagues.

VISION. The Mentoring Programme is an integral part of the induction procedure for newcomers and consists of the following:

• introduction during the recruitment process to the Mentoring Programme and its possibilities
• recognition of mentoring experience (as part of teaching competencies) in the context of certifications and recruitment competitions
• incentives/bonuses for contributions to improving the quality of studies

DURATION. The Programme lasts eight months (a lecturer’s one academic year cycle).

PARTICIPANTS

A mentor is an experienced teaching staff member wishing to share their experience with other Programme participants.

A mentee/Programme participant is a new member of the teaching staff who has been recruited to teach a particular course unit at Vilnius University and has no teaching experience or who would like to learn from others.

The Programme coordinator is the Educational Competence Centre of Vilnius University.
The coordinator is responsible for providing support to mentees/Programme participants and mentors, as well as organising various public activities under the Mentoring Programme for Teaching Staff (seminars, reflection sessions, workshops, or consultations).

PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME IS BASED ON VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT

REGISTRATION. Members of the Vilnius University teaching staff who would like to find a mentor or become mentors themselves must register on the Mentoring Programme platform by completing a questionnaire outlining their competencies and expectations and indicating the desired nature of their involvement in the Programme.

PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES

• Organising training and individual support for mentors and mentees/Programme participants
• Conducting individual mentoring activities
• Initiating reflection sessions
• Involving participants in the development and publicity of the Programme

ACCOUNTABILITY OF MENTORS AND MENTEES/PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

Participants of the Mentoring Programme must fill in the diary forms provided on the electronic platform. These documents validate the mentoring activities in the context of certifications and recruitment competitions.

CONCLUSION OF THE MENTORING PROGRAMME

The Mentoring Programme is concluded by presenting its results and feedback.

Forms of cooperation between programme participants

STRATEGY MEETINGS

At the beginning and end of the Programme, and once some intermediate results have been achieved, meetings (reflection sessions) are organised for coordinators, mentors, and mentees/Programme participants to discuss the Programme’s goals, objectives, challenges, and achievements.

INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS BETWEEN THE MENTOR AND THE MENTEE/PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT

It is recommended that the Mentoring Programme participants organise periodic one-hour meetings (at least once a month, preferably once a week).

Meeting objectives:

• to identify future plans, assess progress, and address issues
• to share best practices and expertise to support the participants in their teaching
• to provide advice and discuss with the mentees/Programme participants their teaching-related issues, etc., by providing specific examples and recommendations
• to seek methodological or other assistance from the coordinators

During the first meetings, the mentor and the mentee/Programme participant set the objectives for future activities together and, if necessary, draw up a plan of activities and tools to achieve those objectives.
The mentor and the mentee/Programme participant mutually decide on the most appropriate communication and cooperation methods.
The mentor can always contact the coordinator of the Mentoring Programme for methodological support, advice, or any other issues beyond their expertise.

PUBLIC ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

As part of the Mentoring Programme, the coordinators must periodically organise public activities for Programme participants, including:

• seminars;
• workshops on the application of teaching methods;
• meetings with professionals who can share best teaching practices.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact the coordinator of the Mentoring Programme for Teaching Staff – the Educational Competence Centre at .