Program Objectives
- Provide new teachers with experienced mentors who can offer guidance, support, and advice as they navigate the challenges of their first years in the profession.
- To provide new teachers with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and teaching skills while reflecting on their teaching with the guidance of experienced teachers.
- To provide an opportunity for experienced teachers to share their knowledge, experience, and effective practices with novice teachers.
- To help bridge the gap in knowledge for members who were off duty for long periods of time.
- To enhance positive relationships between ELI faculty members by exchanging and sharing knowledge and experiences.
Explore Program Tracks
Early-career ELI Faculty
The Mentoring Program mentors work with new faculty members from the time of their induction into the ELI to help them understand the culture, policies, and ethics of the institution. The role of the program is instrumental in helping new teachers to navigate their career path. This is achieved by assigning an experienced mentor who volunteers to help and support new colleagues. The developmental aspect of the Mentoring Program and its focus on nurturing positive relationships between the mentors and the mentees has led to the satisfaction among new faculty members at the ELI.
Returning ELI Members
The Mentoring Program also addresses the needs of all ELI members who have been on leave for reasons such as scholarships or maternity leave. The mentors work with returning faculties and share updates regarding curriculum teaching methods, policies or practices. The mentoring process here is reciprocal; both mentors and mentees gain professional skills by sharing their experiences and ideas.
The Mentoring Process
Mentoring is a one-year program. After signing the Agreement and Confidentiality forms, mentors and mentees will have to accomplish the following:
Conduct Mentoring Sessions
Mentors and mentees meet regularly to discuss goals, share knowledge, and provide guidance and support.
Maintain a Mentoring Log
Both mentors and mentees are required to keep a record of their mentoring activities, documenting discussions, progress, and any key takeaways from their sessions.
Attend & Engage in Professional Development Events/Sessions
Participants are encouraged to take part in professional development opportunities organized by the program’s committee.
Participate in Evaluation Surveys
Both mentors and mentees are expected to provide feedback and evaluation on their mentoring experience, allowing the program to continually improve and adapt to their needs.
Advantages for Mentors
The mentor can gain many benefits from this experience, such as:
- Gaining valuable insights and knowledge from the mentee's unique perspective and experiences.
- Building positive and learning relationships within the ELI.
- Enhancing professional leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Being recognized as a leader and role model in the ELI.
- Earning credits for ELI Annual Faculty Evaluation.
Advantages for Mentees
Mentees can acquire valuable knowledge from the mentor’s expertise and experience while establishing valuable connections with higher-level employees.
A mentee can reap numerous benefits from this experience, such as:
- Receiving support and honest feedback from an experienced mentor and working on strengths and weaknesses.
- Staying updated on policies and strategies employed in ELI, as well as In-House units and committees.
- Enhancing teaching skills which can lead to professional excellence.
- Earning credit for the ELI Annual Faculty Evaluation.
Published Resources
Khojah, A., & Asif, F. (2020). Mentoring Matters in Workplace: The Impact of Formal Mentoring Program on EFL Instructors' Performance at ELI, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. English Language Teaching, 13(4), 140-161. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1248774