Shadow and Mentor Training
Shadowing is a great tool to help improve as a teacher. We encourage everyone to shadow other instructors; however, shadowing is required for New Staff non-certified instructors. This training program offers many benefits for Mountain School.
- Training moves toward real-world learning rather than indoor lecture
- Instructors get an opportunity learn from observing top instructors
- Experienced instructors gain experience coaching other instructors
- Communication lines improve throughout the staff
- Training becomes the active responsibility of all participating instructors
- And more…
A few guidelines will help make this program successful.
1) All shadow/mentor sessions must be scheduled through a supervisor. This allows the supervisor and the instructor to set objectives for the shadow/mentor session and also match the observer to an appropriate lesson to shadow.
2) Trainers will be scheduled throughout the season to shadow instructors and offer suggestions. Our intent is to provide initial help for our newest and least experienced instructors, however veteran instructors will have an opportunity to be shadowed also as scheduling permits.
3) Contact the Training Manager if you are an experienced instructor and would like to have a trainer scheduled to shadow you early in the season.
4) To get training credit for shadow/mentor sessions the shadowing/mentoring instructor must complete a Shadow/Mentor sheet and have the sheet signed and reviewed by a supervisor. Your supervisor will also preview expectations for the sheet prior to your session; however, you can view the sheet by clicking on Download the Shadow/Mentor Sheet
The Shadow/Mentor sheet helps focus the observer’s attention on the REaL Teaching components. Instructors may be asked to focus their observations on Relationships and Experiences of the lesson; on the parts of the basic teaching model: Goals, Information, Practice and Feedback; or on all those elements. The preview session with your supervisor will help with that focus.
Remember, instructors are welcome to shadow other classes so we can learn from each othes. Please check with a supervisor to schedule shadow sessions.
