Florida State University/Leon County Schools Mentor Initiative

In February, 2000, the "pilot project" mentors for Florida State University's new initiative were trained and a kick-off held at Brevard Elementary School.

The pilot group included President Sandy D'Alemberte and Superintendent Bill Montford; faculty and staff members James Melton, Susan Baldino, Bonnie Wright, Barbara Ash, Ellen Berler, Mike Bigbie, Braketta Ritzenthaler, and Deborah Teague; and students Dana Rice, Bridget Butler, Kate Harrison, and Mary Riccardi.  Feedback from the pilot group shaped the university-wide mentor project slated to begin fall term 2000.  Check the list below for a variety of mentor relationships and commitments.  For more information or to join the mentor team at FSU, contact Dr. Laura Hassler at lhassler@mailer.fsu.edu or Bill Moeller at BMoeller@admin.fsu.edu.

The following list describes the relationships included in the project:

Mentor/Tutor - involves a weekly or bi-weekly commitment to spend an hour tutoring a child or small group of children in reading or math.  Mentor/tutors may work with elementary, middle, or high school students.  Training is provided for the adult if a specific curriculum or instructional strategy is to be employed.

Mentor - involves a big brother/big sister relationship focused on setting goals and improving the student’s school performance but extends to other areas as well.  Adults are usually matched one-to-one (by gender) with students and meet weekly for at least an hour if possible.  For this type of experience, mentors will work with middle and high school students.

Mentor/Advisor - involves a once month commitment to meet with the school’s advisory council to provide expertise and assistance in school level decision making, working with the principal, parents, and other community members.  Alternate, the same advisory role could be served through membership in the schools Partners for Excellence program (business partners).

Work-site Mentor - involves (1) up to a nine-week commitment to hosting a student at your work-site who demonstrates an interest in your field and meets other criteria for an off-site experience (the time frame may be after school or during the school day up to twenty hours per week) or (2) providing mentor support to a secondary student who is interested in your field.

Special Events Mentor - involves occasional assistance at the school, judging academic competition, serving as a guest speaker, or providing other kinds of assistance agreed upon by the mentor and the principal.

E-Buddy Mentor - involves a relationship focused on improving a child’s writing skills through primarily an e-mail relationship.  The time commitment will vary based on the agreement reached between the mentor and child.  Weekly communication over a semester would be appropriate with initial and follow-up face-to-face meetings at the school site.

For more information, contact Dr. Laura Hassler at lhassler@mailer.fsu.edu or 850-644-2570.