Teacher mentors teacher - An accompaniment program for novice chemistry teachers

Many teachers quit their job within the first five years of their teaching. One of the main reasons for that is a sense of loneliness.

Once the teacher enters the class room the door is closed and he is left with unanswered doubts: Was I interesting? Did my students understand? Did I respond in the right way?

While in most cases the disciplinary team can advise and provide guidance, in many schools there is only one chemistry teacher, left alone to deal with his uncertainties.

In light of this situation and in the search for a solution, we asked:

How can novice chemistry teachers be empowered and kept in the education system?

The supervision on Chemistry studies in the ministry of education initiated a program in which novice chemistry teachers are paired with expert teachers who have been teaching the subject for more then 15 years. Each pair maintained weekly mentoring encounters during which the expert teacher:

Provided the novice with a tool box for chemistry teaching, based on his knowledge and experience.

Offered advise and support to minimize the novices` frustration.

Each expert teacher who joins the program attended a work shop during which he acquired tools for guidance and mentoring and learned how to share knowledge and experience in a supportive way.

One of the novice teachers who entered the program said: "This program really saved me. My mentor was so attentive and available for my every question."

One of the expert teachers said: "I was glad to share my knowledge and my insights and help maintain one chemistry teacher in the system, it is so important for chemistry studies."

Conclusions:

The close personal accompaniment might increase the sense of self confidence and empowerment of novice chemistry teachers ,promote their resilience and keep them in the education system.