1. Supporting Services Mentoring Program

2. Mentoring Program Definition
The Mentoring Program of MCPS provides mentors to both new employees and existing staff to help them excel in their role, direct them to training and on-the-job work experiences, and prepare them for career development opportunities.

3. The Mentoring Program …
Is voluntary
Pairs a volunteer MCPS employee mentor with an employee who is interested in working with a mentor/coach
Helps new employees adjust to their jobs
Helps existing employees excel in their jobs

4. The Mentoring Program …
Provides an opportunity for employees to learn about career advancement opportunities
Provides employees with guidance on useful training to work towards personal professional goals

5. Benefits Of Mentoring Mentoring…
Fosters satisfied and productive employees
Sustains a culture of respect
Improves recruitment
Boosts retention
Increases organizational agility and capacity
Builds a professional learning community
Creates a positive work environment in a self-renewing organization

7. An Example – A Bus Driver
Training – new driver participates in extensive driver and safety training
Tutoring – a buddy is assigned to a new driver for a two-day period to review the MCPS DOT policies and procedures; new driver drives a run
Coaching – a BRS rides along with a new driver to ensure understanding
Mentoring – an employee with supervisory and interview skills assists a bus driver who wants to apply for a BRS position

8. How Does The Program Work?
Mentee selects mentor from the Supporting Services Mentoring Program conference folder on Outlook
Mentee initiates the contact with the mentor
Mentee reviews mentoring objectives (mentor request form) with mentor

9. How Does The Program Work?
If both agree that prospects are positive, they schedule a meeting
They sign a Mentor – Mentee Agreement and submit copy to mentor coordinator
They may maintain official mentoring relationship for up to 12 months
If prospects are not positive, mentee seeks another mentor candidate

10. What Kinds Of Support Should A Mentor Provide…And A Mentee Expect?
Strategize career opportunity paths within the system
Explore possibilities for new kinds of work
Suggest sources of training, coaching, and tutoring
Model successful employee practices

11. What Kinds Of Support Should A Mentor Provide…And A Mentee Expect?
Offer tips for contributing to positive workplace environment
Recommend ways to cope with difficult situations
Provide encouragement and empathy
Direct towards resources in and out of MCPS for personal and professional counseling

12. Mentor Basic Requirements
Be with MCPS for at least five years, be in good standing, and be willing to assume this responsibility
Have a breadth of experience, e.g., participation in MCPS committees and/or collaboration committees, volunteer activities and work experiences outside of MCPS

13. Mentor Basic Requirements
Commit to confidentiality of content as it relates to mentor relationship
Employed by MCPS (not restricted to supporting services personnel)*
* cannot be a supervisor of the mentee

14. Mentor Skills Communicates effectively (written and verbal)
Possesses strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Demonstrates professionalism
Exhibits leadership qualities

15. Mentor Skills Possesses high level organizational skills
Solves problems efficiently and effectively
Commits to MCPS and its stakeholders

16. Mentor Duties Establish a supportive relationship with the mentee
Help the mentee identify skill areas for development
Meet with the mentee for four hours a month
Maintain a mentor log and submit it online every month

17. Mentor Duties Suggests ways to communicate effectively with others
Promotes awareness about various positions in supporting services departments at MCPS
Provides resources and access to networking opportunities

18. Mentee Eligibility Have permanent status
Not in PAR or on special evaluation
Submit a mentor request form

19. Mentee’s Responsibilities
Commit to the process and be willing to meet before and after duty hours
Be willing to act on feedback from mentor
Provide feedback on the program

20. How Do I Get Started? Complete mentor request form
Review mentor profiles
Select mentor and initiate contact

21. Need More Information Contact the Career Pathways Program Specialist:
Nathalie Bourdereau