Experienced Science Teachers

Applications for the 2008-2009 school year are being accepted. The applications close May 23, 2008.

e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS) is currently recruiting experienced (5+ years) middle and high school science teachers to participate in an innovative online mentoring project.

Veteran teachers distinguish themselves by being selected as an eMSS mentor. Mentors play a crucial role in the eMSS online community of learners as they guide mentees and collaborate with eMSS colleagues across the country. Mentors and mentees are matched by content area and grade level.

Mentor Benefits:

There are numerous benefits to becoming an eMSS Mentor, including:

• Online mentor professional development
• eMSS Program stipends from $1,400 to $2,200
• e-Mentor Certification
• Immediate access to a nationwide network of other mentor teachers, professional scientists and new science teachers.

eMSS Mentors Expectations:

Expectations of eMSS Mentors include:

• Complete one of the three week online, e-Mentor Summer Institutes outlined below. The anticipated time requirement for each of these institutes is 10-15 hours/week.
  • New e-Mentor Institute, June 23-July 11 or July 14-August 1: This beginning mentor training focuses on introducing mentors to the online environment as well as dialogue techniques with mentees. In addition, mentors learn how to help their mentees with content-related issues.
  • Experienced e-Mentor Institute, June 23-July 11 or July 14-August 1: This institute is for returning mentors with one year experience in eMSS. It introduces mentors to the new eMSS operating platform and focuses on high-level dialogue development, advanced content work with online resources and advanced online mentoring techniques.
• Work with two-to-three mentees in your state and guide them through all aspects of the eMSS environment. Mentors and mentees will be matched by content area and grade level.
• Participate daily in the eMSS online site, posting a minimum of two-to-three times during the week.
• Complete at least two Inquiries during the school year.
• Sign a letter of agreement with NTC and NSTA
• Participate in the new eMSS Mentor Certification Program. Mentor Certification is based on:
  • Participation in the mentor professional development program that is part of eMSS
  • Active participation on the eMSS web site including meeting required number of posts
  • Quality of online dialogue

Mentor Stipends

Mentors who successfully complete the summer institute are matched with their mentees starting in August. Every effort is made to match mentors with mentees, but there is no guarantee a mentor will be matched with a mentee. In this instance, the mentor will receive the $250 stipend for attending the e-Mentor Summer Institute.

Mentors receive stipends according to the number of mentees they are matched with:

• Three mentees - $2,200 stipend
• Two mentees - $1,800 stipend
• One mentee - $1,400 stipend (It is expected mentors will work with a minimum of two mentees but if a mentee leaves the program then a mentor may have only one mentee)

Stipends are paid in three payments:

• $250 upon completion of the e-Mentor Summer Institute
• The remainder of the stipend will be paid in two separate payments, one in December and the other in June.
• To qualify for the yearly stipend, mentors must meet eMSS mentor expectations.

eMSS Mentor Application Instructions:
New and Returning Mentor Applications

• Applications for the 2008-2009 school year are being accepted. The applications close May 23, 2008.
• Click on the appropriate application below and complete all sections of the application.
• Mentors will be notified of acceptance by early June.