Introduction

Mentoring is a developmental, helping process whereby a teacher, who is new or who simply needs some help, receives guidance, support and encouragement from a more experienced colleague. It includes just-in-time help, insight into issues, and the sharing of expertise, resources, skills, and perspectives.

The word mentor traces back to the Greek poet Homer who immortalized Mentor as a guide and counselor in his epic work, the Odyssey. Mentor was Odysseus' trusted friend in whose care he left his son, Telemachus, during the Trojan War. In the guise of Mentor, the goddess Athena became Telemachus' guardian and teacher, grooming him for leadership. Since that time, a person who sees the potential in another, shares wisdom and experience and provides the encouragement needed to take on new challenges has been called a mentor. The person mentored is called a mentee or protégée .

New adult education teachers face many unfamiliar responsibilities and often feel isolated and unsure as they learn the ropes; experienced teachers sometimes face new, unexpected challenges. A caring mentor with the advantage of experience, contacts, and knowledge, can help them build skills and self-assurance, provide resources, and connect them to a community of peers. In the process, the mentor has opportunities to reflect, gain new perspectives and deepen their own practice.

"In the mentoring process, reflection enables us to slow down, rest, and observe our journey and the process of self-knowledge that is so important along the way."
-- Mentors Huang and Lynch--