Wendy Baker delivers opening keynote at the 2nd Symposium for Early Childhood Associate Teachers 2009

Wendy Baker recently delivered the opening key note address entitled Mentorship - making the most of mentoring -at the 2009 2nd Symposium for Early Childhood Associate Teachers in Auckland at the Auckland University of Technology. This symposium is a day of professional development and appreciation for their associate teachers provided by Tamaki Makaurau Early Childhood Teacher Education Providers Network

Drawing on a social cognitive theory perspective Wendy acknowledged the way a mentor facilitates the relationship with a student teacher as the mentee, contributes to the student teacher's self efficacy and identity as a professional educator.

The presentation summarised the mindset and skill-set of the Associate Teacher as mentor in the role of a pre-service educator. Highlighted were the three key principles underpinning effective mentoring and the potency of the affirmation and analysis of success in generating growth and development in others.

Wendy makes the point that the way to stimulate insight in others is dependent on our habits of mind - how facilitative to be in the mentor role with student teachers - lead then step back thereby seeing the person as the source of the solution.

NZCMC work with the education sector, providing organisational mentoring and professional supervision and supervision training for staff.