Mentor Resource Guide

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introductionThe importance of mentoringMentoring is the art of providing your guidance, insight and connection through the sharing of your professional experiences. Research has long demonstrated the positive impacts of mentoring on both the mentor and the mentee. You will gain an invaluable opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent and spread knowledge to them. In turn, mentees learn valuable industry skills and gain a net-work of professionals within the industry. Overall, these connections contribute to the positive long-term growth of both the workforce and the community.

What it means to be an effective mentorAn effective mentor facilitates the personal and professional growth of an indi-vidual by providing:

n Knowledge transfer, which exposes students to possible career opportunitiesn Skills development, which prepares students for success in both school and in

their future career endeavorsn Modeling from a caring adult, who inspires them to achieve positive outcomes

mentor obligationsTime commitments: Understanding time commitments will help to keep you and your mentee engaged in the mentoring process. Students desire guidance, insight and connection from consistent adult role models. Therefore, it is very important to honor time commit-ments you make. The length and frequency of meetings may vary based on your ECSS school partnership.

Interaction length & frequency: Based on your availability, mentors will be expected to participate in:

n Minimum 1-year commitment; 2 years is suggested n Minimum monthly in-person meetings with your mentee n Suggested biweekly structured interactions of roughly 30 minutes; online inter-

actions can occur via the connectedstudios.org portal

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i’m a mentor, now what?STEP 1: Review the Structure of the Mentoring Program

Mentee Personal Target Areas:The primary purpose of the mentoring relationship is to assist in the development of the mentee. As a part of this dynamic process, your mentee will select a Personal Target Area worksheet before each meeting. The ConnectED platform includes a list of action items for each semester through their junior and senior years. The action items broadly contribute to College and Career Preparation goals.

At the beginning of each semester during their junior and senior years, the mentee chooses monthly action items from the Personal Target Areas on the ConnectED platform. The Personal Target Areas are designed to create a framework, which will guide interactions between you and your mentee. This framework will also help you understand what your mentee wants to learn from the mentoring program. The Personal Target Areas are included for reference on page 5. Mentors will provide ongoing support to mentees as they work toward the completion of these goals.

Overall structure:During the mentee’s junior year, content broadly will focus on the development of professional skills and a fostering overall college awareness. In the mentee’s senior year, content will focus on the utilization of more in-depth professional skills. The goal is to logically progress students through a framework that aligns and augments in class learning. Content to support this progression will be available on the ConnectEd platform.

STEP 2: Use the ConnectEd website to message your menteeInformation with screen shots are found in Appendix B on page 15.

STEP 3: Message your menteeOnce you have received your mentee assignment, a message in ConnectEd will be sent to both you and your mentee, making the introduction and providing contact information. Shortly after this introductory message, you should also receive a message from your mentee. Once you receive these messages, you should respond to your mentee and provide your availability. If you do not receive a message from your mentee, feel free to initiate contact. However, if you do not receive a response within an appropriate period of time, please reach out to the Program Manager at your ECSS location. The ConnectEd platform will also generate alerts to ensure that communications are being received and responded to in a timely fashion.

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Meeting with your menteeDuring your first meeting together, your mentee will have prepared high-quality questions to ask you. In order to facilitate a reciprocated connection, we have also included some high-quality questions that you can ask your mentee. The goal of these questions is to help you both get to know one other as people. Once you have spent some time getting to know each other, review their Personal Target Areas and begin setting mentoring goals together.

The goal of this framework is to guide the structure of the time spent together.

tips for building a great relationship with your mentee n Engage in the active listening process. Maintain eye contact and give mentees

your full attention. Encourage your mentees to do the same.n At the beginning of this relationship, your mentee may appear to be guarded

and/or shy. These attitudes may be a reflection of their insecurity about the re-lationship. The mentee’s attitude may change as they realize you are sincere and consistent.

n Respect the uniqueness and integrity of your mentee and influence them through constructive feedback. Effective mentors empower their mentees with critical thinking skills; however, they don’t make decisions for the mentee.

n Discussions between you and your mentee are confidential. Be careful when dis-cussing sensitive personal issues. A mentee’s personal or family life may be diffi-cult to discuss, particularly early in the relationship. It is important not to measure the success of the relationship by the extent of the mentee’s disclosure. Problems your mentee may share with you regarding any form of abuse such as substance, sexual, physical or emotional abuses are best handled by professionals. If you have any concerns for your mentee’s wellbeing, contact the Program Manager at your ECSS location immediately.

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ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS – CODE OF CONDUCT

I. As a mentor, your roles and responsibilities are unique 1. UNDERSTAND that your role is a supportive one. 2. MAINTAIN student confidentiality at all times. Do not discuss any student

with anyone except teachers, counselors, and volunteer coordinators. 3. DON’T make promises you can’t keep. Avoid saying things like “Study hard

and you’ll definitely pass the test.” 4. USE good judgment and avoid any compromising situations. 5. STRICTLY follow volunteer guidelines and discipline practices. Physical dis-

cipline is absolutely prohibited. Ask the teacher and volunteer coordinating staff for assistance with problematic student behavior.

6. REPORT immediately to staff persons any physically abusive or sexually ex-ploitive behavior towards a student.

II. Mentors take pride in being professional 1. MAINTAIN a constructive attitude. Don’t make negative comments about

the school, its personnel, or the students to other volunteers or individuals outside the school.

2. BE PROMPT and consistent in your attendance. Teachers depend on mentors and plan their work accordingly. Students depend on mentors even more.

3. NOTIFY your mentee as soon as possible if you must be late or absent. 4. KEEP an accurate record of your attendance when meeting physically with

your mentee through ConnectEd. 5. NEVER be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not smoke on school

grounds. 6. DO NOT lend money, contribute or solicit money for organizations while you

are on school grounds. 7. DO NOT use the internet inappropriately by going to websites that are not

conducive to a professional or educational environment. III. Health and safety are always important

1. ALERT school staff immediately if any student has an accident while working with you.

2. REFER any student in need of first aid or any type of medication to a teacher or school nurse.

3. LEARN and follow fire drill procedures and all school rules.4. NOTIFY the principal of any accident you have on school grounds. A written

form must be submitted to the principal within 24 hours.5. ALERT the principal before volunteering in school if you have, or have been

exposed to, a communicable disease.

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mentee resources (included as reference)Personal Target Areas

Please review the topics below and discuss what you would like to learn from each area with your mentor.

1. Getting to know your mentor2. Understanding your interests and skills3. ACT preparation4. Résumé development5. Am I employable?6. Understanding my personal uniqueness7. Job hunting8. Enhancing interviewing skills9. Navigating the internship application process10. Developing presentation skills11. Digital communications for young professionals12. Goal setting and achievement13. Working well with others14. Exploring my future

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(This page is included for your reference only.)

Please review the topics below and discuss what you would like to learn from each area with your mentor. Before meeting with your mentor use Google search and/or LinkedIn to research your mentor to the best of your ability. Questions 1-5 should be answered before the first meeting. Bring this worksheet with you when you meet with your mentor for the first time. During the first meeting with your mentor be sure to review the questions that you researched, then fill in your mentor’s answers to questions 6-11.

1. Where do you work?

2. What industry is that part of?

3. What college did you attend?

4. What is your job title?

5. How long have you worked there?

6. When did you know you wanted to be a ( job title here)?

7. What advice would you give someone my age?

8. What has been one of your biggest challenges?

9. What are you most proud of in your career so far?

10. What motivates you on a daily basis?

11. What dreams and goals inspired you to succeed?

Questions to ask your mentor

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(Choose a few of these questions to guide the first interaction with your mentee.)

1. Who is your favorite actor?

2. Tell me about the best vacation you ever went on (if they have been on any).

3. If you were rich, what would you do with your money?

4. What is your dream job?

5. What is your favorite movie? Why?

6. What do you do with your free time?

7. What superpower do you wish you had?

8. What are you afraid of?

9. What would you risk your life for?

10. Can money buy you happiness?

Questions to ask your mentee

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appendix aFingerprinting and Background Check FormsAttached are the fingerprinting and background check forms that will need to be completed and turned in to an Accurate Biometrics location of your choice. Please select the Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form that corresponds to the ECSS location where you wish to be placed.

To find the Accurate Biometrics location that is most convenient for you, go to www.accuratebiometrics.com/fingerprint_Region_Map.asp.

Background check results take approximately 1-4 weeks to process. Specific results from the background check are completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone. Once approved, the Program Manager at the ECSS location you select will contact you with next steps.

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For Michele Clark Mentors

Employee Services

Employee Services • 320 N Elizabeth St, 1st Floor • Chicago, IL 60607 • Phone (773) 553-HR4U • Fax (773) 553-6665 Email Fingerprints@cps.edu • .HR4U.CPS.EDU

Revised 10/24/13

Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form

This form gives the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) authorization to conduct a criminal background investigation. All volunteers must have a valid unexpired government issued ID (driver’s license or state ID, foreign government issued ID) at the time of fingerprinting.

□ Volunteer This form is not for teachers, substitute teachers, educational support personnel, or miscellaneous employees. IL016299S Last Name: __________________________ First Name: ____________________ Middle Initial: __________ Address: Day Phone: (__) _______________ Number Street City State Zip Date of Birth: _________________ Sex: □ Male □ Female Race: _______ MM/DD/YY Height: ____________ Weight: __________lbs Eye Color: ________ Hair Color: __________ Ft. In. Social Security Number: _______ - _____ - _________ Birth Place: _______________________________ City State

School/Department: Clark/mford@cps.edu Special Program or Company Name: Early College STEM/jdkaufmann@cps.edu (If Applicable)

REQUIRED CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE: The existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you for volunteer consideration, unless it is a conviction for an enumerated crime. (Please see the back of this form for a listing of enumerated crimes.) However, it is important that the Board know your complete criminal history to properly evaluate your application. You must disclose it in full. Failure to disclose each conviction may result in disqualification of your volunteer application.

Convictions include all felony or misdemeanor convictions, whether by pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest or after bench or jury trial. Convictions that result in sentences of probation, conditional discharge or imprisonment must be reported. Convictions of driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI), and driving on a revoked or suspended license must be reported. But, convictions that resulted in sentences of supervision in Illinois or traffic offences other than DUI or driving on a revoked or suspended license should not be reported (i.e. speeding tickets, running a red light or stop sign, driving without insurance, etc.). Finally, you are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Have you ever been convicted of any type of crime? Yes No

If yes, describe each conviction below (attach separate sheets if necessary):

Date State

Conviction

I, the undersigned, 1. acknowledge and verify that all information provided above is true and accurate and that I am the person named above. 2. supply this information to authorize and enable the CPS to perform a background investigation, which may include, but not limited to, a

Criminal Conviction Information check and fingerprinting. 3. understand and agree that the information obtained through the background investigation will be used to determine whether I can volunteer

for the CPS or whether volunteer service will be approved. Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________

Race Key: C = Caucasian H= Hispanic B = Black/ African American A= Asian/Pacific Islander I = Native American/Alaskan U = Unknown

Employee Services Use Only

Fingerprints Clear □ Yes □ No Verified By: ______________________________________

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Employee Services

Employee Services • 320 N Elizabeth St, 1st Floor • Chicago, IL 60607 • Phone (773) 553-HR4U • Fax (773) 553-6665 Email Fingerprints@cps.edu • .HR4U.CPS.EDU

Revised 10/24/13

Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form

This form gives the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) authorization to conduct a criminal background investigation. All volunteers must have a valid unexpired government issued ID (driver’s license or state ID, foreign government issued ID) at the time of fingerprinting.

□ Volunteer This form is not for teachers, substitute teachers, educational support personnel, or miscellaneous employees. IL016299S Last Name: __________________________ First Name: ____________________ Middle Initial: __________ Address: Day Phone: (__) _______________ Number Street City State Zip Date of Birth: _________________ Sex: □ Male □ Female Race: _______ MM/DD/YY Height: ____________ Weight: __________lbs Eye Color: ________ Hair Color: __________ Ft. In. Social Security Number: _______ - _____ - _________ Birth Place: _______________________________ City State

School/Department: Corliss/amlandek@cps.edu Special Program or Company Name: Early College STEM/jdkaufmann@cps.edu (If Applicable)

REQUIRED CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE: The existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you for volunteer consideration, unless it is a conviction for an enumerated crime. (Please see the back of this form for a listing of enumerated crimes.) However, it is important that the Board know your complete criminal history to properly evaluate your application. You must disclose it in full. Failure to disclose each conviction may result in disqualification of your volunteer application.

Convictions include all felony or misdemeanor convictions, whether by pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest or after bench or jury trial. Convictions that result in sentences of probation, conditional discharge or imprisonment must be reported. Convictions of driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI), and driving on a revoked or suspended license must be reported. But, convictions that resulted in sentences of supervision in Illinois or traffic offences other than DUI or driving on a revoked or suspended license should not be reported (i.e. speeding tickets, running a red light or stop sign, driving without insurance, etc.). Finally, you are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Have you ever been convicted of any type of crime? Yes No

If yes, describe each conviction below (attach separate sheets if necessary):

Date State

Conviction

I, the undersigned, 1. acknowledge and verify that all information provided above is true and accurate and that I am the person named above. 2. supply this information to authorize and enable the CPS to perform a background investigation, which may include, but not limited to, a

Criminal Conviction Information check and fingerprinting. 3. understand and agree that the information obtained through the background investigation will be used to determine whether I can volunteer

for the CPS or whether volunteer service will be approved. Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________

Race Key: C = Caucasian H= Hispanic B = Black/ African American A= Asian/Pacific Islander I = Native American/Alaskan U = Unknown

Employee Services Use Only

Fingerprints Clear □ Yes □ No Verified By: ______________________________________

For Corliss Mentors

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Employee Services

Employee Services • 320 N Elizabeth St, 1st Floor • Chicago, IL 60607 • Phone (773) 553-HR4U • Fax (773) 553-6665 Email Fingerprints@cps.edu • .HR4U.CPS.EDU

Revised 10/24/13

Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form

This form gives the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) authorization to conduct a criminal background investigation. All volunteers must have a valid unexpired government issued ID (driver’s license or state ID, foreign government issued ID) at the time of fingerprinting.

□ Volunteer This form is not for teachers, substitute teachers, educational support personnel, or miscellaneous employees. IL016299S Last Name: __________________________ First Name: ____________________ Middle Initial: __________ Address: Day Phone: (__) _______________ Number Street City State Zip Date of Birth: _________________ Sex: □ Male □ Female Race: _______ MM/DD/YY Height: ____________ Weight: __________lbs Eye Color: ________ Hair Color: __________ Ft. In. Social Security Number: _______ - _____ - _________ Birth Place: _______________________________ City State

School/Department: CVCA/eekey@cps.edu Special Program or Company Name: Early College STEM/jdkaufmann@cps.edu (If Applicable)

REQUIRED CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE: The existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you for volunteer consideration, unless it is a conviction for an enumerated crime. (Please see the back of this form for a listing of enumerated crimes.) However, it is important that the Board know your complete criminal history to properly evaluate your application. You must disclose it in full. Failure to disclose each conviction may result in disqualification of your volunteer application.

Convictions include all felony or misdemeanor convictions, whether by pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest or after bench or jury trial. Convictions that result in sentences of probation, conditional discharge or imprisonment must be reported. Convictions of driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI), and driving on a revoked or suspended license must be reported. But, convictions that resulted in sentences of supervision in Illinois or traffic offences other than DUI or driving on a revoked or suspended license should not be reported (i.e. speeding tickets, running a red light or stop sign, driving without insurance, etc.). Finally, you are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Have you ever been convicted of any type of crime? Yes No

If yes, describe each conviction below (attach separate sheets if necessary):

Date State

Conviction

I, the undersigned, 1. acknowledge and verify that all information provided above is true and accurate and that I am the person named above. 2. supply this information to authorize and enable the CPS to perform a background investigation, which may include, but not limited to, a

Criminal Conviction Information check and fingerprinting. 3. understand and agree that the information obtained through the background investigation will be used to determine whether I can volunteer

for the CPS or whether volunteer service will be approved. Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________

Race Key: C = Caucasian H= Hispanic B = Black/ African American A= Asian/Pacific Islander I = Native American/Alaskan U = Unknown

Employee Services Use Only

Fingerprints Clear □ Yes □ No Verified By: ______________________________________

For CVCA Mentors

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Employee Services

Employee Services • 320 N Elizabeth St, 1st Floor • Chicago, IL 60607 • Phone (773) 553-HR4U • Fax (773) 553-6665 Email Fingerprints@cps.edu • .HR4U.CPS.EDU

Revised 10/24/13

Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form

This form gives the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) authorization to conduct a criminal background investigation. All volunteers must have a valid unexpired government issued ID (driver’s license or state ID, foreign government issued ID) at the time of fingerprinting.

□ Volunteer This form is not for teachers, substitute teachers, educational support personnel, or miscellaneous employees. IL016299S Last Name: __________________________ First Name: ____________________ Middle Initial: __________ Address: Day Phone: (__) _______________ Number Street City State Zip Date of Birth: _________________ Sex: □ Male □ Female Race: _______ MM/DD/YY Height: ____________ Weight: __________lbs Eye Color: ________ Hair Color: __________ Ft. In. Social Security Number: _______ - _____ - _________ Birth Place: _______________________________ City State

School/Department: Goode/bstevenson4@cps.edu Special Program or Company Name: Early College STEM/jdkaufmann@cps.edu (If Applicable)

REQUIRED CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE: The existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you for volunteer consideration, unless it is a conviction for an enumerated crime. (Please see the back of this form for a listing of enumerated crimes.) However, it is important that the Board know your complete criminal history to properly evaluate your application. You must disclose it in full. Failure to disclose each conviction may result in disqualification of your volunteer application.

Convictions include all felony or misdemeanor convictions, whether by pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest or after bench or jury trial. Convictions that result in sentences of probation, conditional discharge or imprisonment must be reported. Convictions of driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI), and driving on a revoked or suspended license must be reported. But, convictions that resulted in sentences of supervision in Illinois or traffic offences other than DUI or driving on a revoked or suspended license should not be reported (i.e. speeding tickets, running a red light or stop sign, driving without insurance, etc.). Finally, you are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Have you ever been convicted of any type of crime? Yes No

If yes, describe each conviction below (attach separate sheets if necessary):

Date State

Conviction

I, the undersigned, 1. acknowledge and verify that all information provided above is true and accurate and that I am the person named above. 2. supply this information to authorize and enable the CPS to perform a background investigation, which may include, but not limited to, a

Criminal Conviction Information check and fingerprinting. 3. understand and agree that the information obtained through the background investigation will be used to determine whether I can volunteer

for the CPS or whether volunteer service will be approved. Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________

Race Key: C = Caucasian H= Hispanic B = Black/ African American A= Asian/Pacific Islander I = Native American/Alaskan U = Unknown

Employee Services Use Only

Fingerprints Clear □ Yes □ No Verified By: ______________________________________

For Sarah Goode Mentors

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Employee Services

Employee Services • 320 N Elizabeth St, 1st Floor • Chicago, IL 60607 • Phone (773) 553-HR4U • Fax (773) 553-6665 Email Fingerprints@cps.edu • .HR4U.CPS.EDU

Revised 10/24/13

Volunteer Fingerprint Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form

This form gives the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) authorization to conduct a criminal background investigation. All volunteers must have a valid unexpired government issued ID (driver’s license or state ID, foreign government issued ID) at the time of fingerprinting.

□ Volunteer This form is not for teachers, substitute teachers, educational support personnel, or miscellaneous employees. IL016299S

Last Name: __________________________ First Name: ____________________ Middle Initial: __________ Address: Day Phone: (__) _______________ Number Street City State Zip Date of Birth: _________________ Sex: □ Male □ Female Race: _______ MM/DD/YY Height: ____________ Weight: __________lbs Eye Color: ________ Hair Color: __________ Ft. In. Social Security Number: _______ - _____ - _________ Birth Place: _______________________________ City State

School/Department: Lake View/adnewton1@cps.edu Special Program or Company Name: Early College STEM/jdkaufmann@cps.edu (If Applicable)

REQUIRED CRIMINAL RECORDS DISCLOSURE: The existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you for volunteer consideration, unless it is a conviction for an enumerated crime. (Please see the back of this form for a listing of enumerated crimes.) However, it is important that the Board know your complete criminal history to properly evaluate your application. You must disclose it in full. Failure to disclose each conviction may result in disqualification of your volunteer application.

Convictions include all felony or misdemeanor convictions, whether by pleas of guilty, nolo contendere or no contest or after bench or jury trial. Convictions that result in sentences of probation, conditional discharge or imprisonment must be reported. Convictions of driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI), and driving on a revoked or suspended license must be reported. But, convictions that resulted in sentences of supervision in Illinois or traffic offences other than DUI or driving on a revoked or suspended license should not be reported (i.e. speeding tickets, running a red light or stop sign, driving without insurance, etc.). Finally, you are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Have you ever been convicted of any type of crime? Yes NoIf yes, describe each conviction below (attach separate sheets if necessary):

Date State Conviction

I, the undersigned, 1. acknowledge and verify that all information provided above is true and accurate and that I am the person named above. 2. supply this information to authorize and enable the CPS to perform a background investigation, which may include, but not limited to, a

Criminal Conviction Information check and fingerprinting. 3. understand and agree that the information obtained through the background investigation will be used to determine whether I can volunteer

for the CPS or whether volunteer service will be approved. Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________

Race Key: C = Caucasian H= Hispanic B = Black/African American A= Asian/Pacific Islander I = Native American/Alaskan U = Unknown

Employee Services Use Only

Fingerprints Clear □ Yes □ No Verified By: ______________________________________

For Lake View Mentors

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appendix bUsing the ECSS portal

Log in at www.ecsschicago.org.

ECSS home page. To access this page, click on the mentoring* navigation button located on the upper left hand of the screen on the navigation bar.

Mentoring home page. Here you will see recent activity, associated industry profes-sionals, and other tabs below the blue navigation bar. The “Assignments” tab will take you to the Personal Target Area section.

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*Current screen shots do not necessarily reflect the final version of the website, which is in progress.

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Assignments tab screen. Here the Personal Target Areas can be expanded by clicking on the gray arrows located directly to the left of each area. Submenus include a collection of goals and assignments.

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