SCMEA gratefully acknowledges the SC Art Education Association's consent to replicate aspects of their Partner Program and the SC Dance Education Organization's consent to replicate aspects of the SCDEO Mentor Network.

The SCMEA Mentor Network, a benefit of SCMEA membership, pairs experienced music educators with new music teachers or any music teacher seeking support and advice. The purpose of this partnership is to promote quality music education in South Carolina by giving music teachers professional support from experienced music educators.

Mentor teachers selected for the program are accomplished professionals who have at least 10 years of experience in music education. These advisors volunteer their time and expertise to support other teachers in the field. Mentor teachers communicate by email to offer advice, share experiences, identify resources and listen to concerns of novice teachers.

The program is not limited to novice teachers. Any music teacher may choose to participate in the program. Teachers may choose to contact one mentor or more as needed. The corps of mentors will be classified by specialty and grade level.

Mentor teachers will be available to answer questions about music resources, classroom procedures, standards implementation, assessment and discipline. Participants may want to discuss how to deal with students with special needs, parents, administrators and other teachers. Participants may discuss programming, community resources, grantwriting, setting up performing groups or fundraising.

Mentors and participants must read the established guidelines for participation and sign a letter of agreement in order to participate in the network (see forms below). Those who do not follow the guidelines will be prohibited from participation. All participants may opt out of the program at any time as needed. Mentors and participating teachers who choose to withdraw from the Mentor Network should notify SCMEA through the following address so that their name may be removed from the Mentor Network contact list

Ann Cheek, President, SCMEA
orffanAnn@aol.com
Attn: SCMEA Mentor Network

Forms are in PDF format and may be downloaded

Guidelines for Participants
Participant or Novice Teacher Agreement
Guidelines for Mentors