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WRIEC Mentorship Program

Applications are now being accepted for our Fall 2008 Mentorship Cycle.
Please follow links below for your submission. Training locations TBD.


For the Mentor application: http://www.wou.edu/education/sped/wriec/forms/mentorship_application.php

For the Mentee application: http://www.wou.edu/education/sped/wriec/forms/mentee_application.php

As you have likely heard, WRIEC has been planning to reintroduce a new and improved and revamped and exciting Mentorship Program, brought to you by the Western Region Interpreter Education Center. And we're about to launch! 
 
So, potential Mentors and Mentees, please read on. Mentors and Mentees both apply and then we will review your application. We will inform you of acceptance by email or phone. 
 

Our Mentorship Trainings are presented by Cindy Farnham, Master Mentor.
Our Mentorship Program is organized by CM Hall, WRIEC Project Coordinator.

The WRIEC Mentorship program is based on the principles of mentee-centered learning. 

In keeping with this philosophy, mentees are responsible for all aspects of their professional development; from application to completion of the program.   This process includes mentee-selected goals, self-assessment of skills, and participation in the design of skill enhancement activities.  Mentors guide the process and foster the mentee’s self-directed learning.  Ultimately, this approach to professional development will result in skill enhancement for the mentee and a rewarding learning experience for the mentor.

 
Program Structure
The WRIEC Mentorship Program is a self-designed and guided program, whereby the mentee and mentor determine the cost, location, duration and activities within the formalized parameters described below.  WRIEC assists in the process by helping pair mentors and mentees. Whenever possible, WRIEC honors requests for specific mentors or mentees.

Mentorship Program Cost
In almost all cases, there is a fee for a mentorship experience. The fee can range from as little as $20/hour to fees more in line with the Mentor Interpreter’s interpreting fees.  In some cases, an interpreter will charge little or expenses only to a special mentee as a means of giving back to the community.  However, everyone recognizes that time spent mentoring is time taken away from other paid employment.  In addition, a mentor may charge for travel, travel time or other expenses.

WRIEC does not set the fees charged by mentors for their services nor assist with any financial transactions between the mentor and mentee.  Rather this fee is negotiated between the mentor and mentee.  In almost all cases, agreement of fees, payment structure and form of payment is agreed upon between the mentor and mentee prior to their first meeting.

To help offset these fees, WRIEC subsidizes a portion of the cost for mentoring services.  Mentoring sessions are compensated at $20 per two-hour meeting for a maximum of ten sessions, once a minimum threshold of five sessions have been met.  For example, a mentor charges $40/hour for his or her mentoring services.  After completion of the ten sessions, WRIEC will subsidize $200 towards the $400 mentor fee. RID CEU’s are available for the Certification Maintenance Program as well.

Minimum Required Sessions
For optimum effect, WRIEC strongly encourages the mentors and mentees to commit to a ten session mentorship, so that an adequate scope and sequence can be achieved.  WRIEC further recommends that a formalized individual session be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in duration and occur every two to three weeks.  WRIEC encourages other outside related activities as a supplement to the formalized meeting time.

WRIEC requires that at least three out of every five sessions must focus on the formal mentoring process.  The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the mentorship focuses on skill development/enhancement and not observations only.  The other two meetings may include such activities as observation, journal maintenance and other opportunities described more fully in the Mentorship Manual.

Program Components

  1. Up to 10 sessions with matched Mentor/Mentee
  2. Pre/post mentorship skills assessments
  3. Stipend to mentors, other compensation and arrangement of funds are up to the mentee
  4. Log of activity to show development and progress
  5. Follow up survey and exit interview
  6. Ongoing support for Mentors and Mentees (conference calls, blog, list serve)
  7. Application materials submitted online at www.wou.edu/wriec

Qualifications for Mentors:

  1. Motivation for professional development
  2. Ability to schedule time for ten mentoring sessions
  3. Commitment to the process
  4. Completion of an Interpreter Education Program or working interpreter
  5. Member of RID or other related professional organization (e.g., NAD, ASLTA, etc.)
  6. Must complete the WRIEC Mentorship Program

Qualifications for Mentees:

  1. Motivation for professional development
  2. Ability to schedule time for ten mentoring sessions
  3. Commitment to the process
  4. Completion of an Interpreter Education Program or working interpreter
  5. Member of RID or other related professional organization (e.g., NAD, ASLTA, etc.)
For the Mentor application: http://www.wou.edu/education/sped/wriec/forms/mentorship_application.php

For the Mentee application: http://www.wou.edu/education/sped/wriec/forms/mentee_application.php

 

CEU's are available for Mentors and Mentees.

Mentoring Program
In a recent survey assessing interpreter practitioner needs that was conducted by the National Consortium, more than 80% responded positively when asked whether they could benefit from a mentor or tutor.  When asked if they wanted a mentor, were one available, 77% responded yes.  In that vein, the Western Region Interpreter Education Center is excited to be launching its mentorship program beginning in 2008 for working interpreters.  WRIEC will accept applications for 50 mentor/mentee partnerships in 2008 across the region.  Eligible mentors and mentees will meet the following qualifications:

A stipend will be available for each mentorship. In keeping with WRIEC’s dedication to the identification and implementation of effective practices, each mentorship experience will undergo the rigors of evaluation.

 

This project would not have been possible without the talents and direction of Cindy Farnham, Master Mentor, CI, CT, EIPA 5.
Thank you, Cindy!