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Special Relationship Should Not be a Secret
Jane Forvilly, Mentor Program Coordinator

Certainly, as it begins its fifth year, the opportunity provided by the OMEA Mentor Program for special relationships and professional communication between current and retired music educators should be well known. Titled a mentor program for verbal economy, the goal of the program is to encourage and facilitate connection and the exchange of ideas, techniques, and skills; and also to share philosophy between music teachers and peers. The connection is usually one visit.

Most frequently, active teachers have requested a mentor (read: “experienced observer and listener”) to hear their ensembles before festivals, offer critiques and encouragement, and to perhaps work with the students. Next in frequency, the invitation has been for a guest conductor for the purpose of having a new face and personality in front of the students—which also gives the regular director a chance to step back and engage in their own observation and evaluation from a little distance. Other requests have been for classroom observation and feedback, materials or teaching suggestions in a specific area, or perhaps a new teaching assignment—any situation where getting the benefits of many years of experience in a hurry might be helpful. The possibilities are wide open.

The mechanics of the program:

1. The active teacher puts in a request to the coordinator for the visit of a mentor; the request includes a description of the specific objective for the visit.
2. The coordinator contacts a potential mentor for that specific request and asks if they are interested.
3. If there is interest, the active teacher is given the retired educator's name and is free to issue the invitation and work out a schedule. The visits are usually one-time exchanges (although they can be more than that if both parties agree.) The coordinator has a policy of not inviting a mentor for more than two visits a year - often it's not even that frequent, it depends on the specific needs. No compensation is expected for the retired mentor; although, sometimes the courtesy of mileage reimbursement and a cup of coffee are offered.

Active teachers and Active retirees are both invited to participate in the program. Active teachers: Consider how a visit by an experienced retired peer might benefit both you and your students and perhaps be a refreshing change from the usual routine. Retirees: You have skills and insights gained through 20 to 30 years' experience. Here is an opportunity to share some of that. (Besides, being back, surrounded by the dynamics of a classroom for a short time is fun and energizing.)

OMEA Members Online Mentor Request Form 

Active teachers who are OMEA members can request a Mentor online!
Members, Get A Mentor

Become a Mentor 

Retired members, if you are interested in becoming a Mentor for an active teacher, please contact the Mentor Program Coordinator. Please share information about your availability, experience, and interest in the OMEA Mentor Music Program.

Jane Forvilly
Mentor Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 399
Noti, OR 97461
Phone: 541-935-3393
Email: [email protected]

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