Being a Mentor
How do I start?
It is simple. Contact HEFG and give them your locations, and what type of program you prefer (ProStart, Management, Competition team, or no preference). HEFG will find a matching program. The teacher will contact you and invite you for a meeting. Together you will walk through the details for the schools program and your goals.
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How much time is involved and when?
The amount of time is up to you. HEFG recommends your first introduction to the students is as a guest speaker. This allows you to meet the students without building a long-term commitment. If at this point you have concerns, read “How do I fix this?” below. Depending on your schedule, HEFG recommends you start visiting once or twice per month. Class periods are 50-90 minutes in length. If you meet students before or after school, please coordinate any student mentor with the teacher.
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Can I do more?
Your work comes first. Therefore, mentoring should grow slowly with your schedule. It is better to visit once a month for a school year, than to visit twelve times in a month and drop out from the stress.
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What will I be teaching?
You will work with the teacher to determine goals and objectives. You can build a competition team, teach critical knife skills and sanitation, or help students learn marketing strategies for restaurants. Whatever you teach, celebrate the process by recognizing what the students are learning and doing. The process is part of the goal. Students can learn a lot from you.
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Are you saying I’m a role model?
Students will want to be just like you. They will learn from watching what you do and what you say. Give positive feedback to correct errors and recognize effort when it is applied. Students crave approval; so, don’t hold back and they will love you for it. They will also mirror any inappropriate behavior. You must always remember these are someone else’s children.
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Don’t "cross the line”.
Guard yourself from situations or conversations that could be misconstrued. Teenagers and educators can misunderstand you. Sexual harassment miscommunication can happen in the classroom. Stay away from any communication that “might” cross the line.
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How do I fix this?
Sometimes things go wrong: miscommunications, different expectations, or life changes. It’s ok and it can be fixed. Just start at the beginning and call your original contact at HEFG. Usually we can quickly fix the miscommunication or find a school that better fits your needs. We are happy to do this, if you tell us about the problem.
