<p> IESBVI Mentoring Program</p><p>Mentee Why do Vision Professionals Need a Mentor Program? In the past people have completed the course work necessary to become a VI teacher or O&M Specialist only to discover that they had the necessary skills to work with students, but wanted more assistance gaining skills in the consultative and/or assessment responsibilities of the job. The mentor program was designed to provide support to new VI professionals so that they would feel less isolated and also have an opportunity to learn how experienced VI teachers and O&M specialists handle the many challenges inherent in their jobs. The itinerant VI position is unique in that:  VI professionals work with students with a wide range of both cognitive and visual abilities as well as ages from birth to 21.  TVI or OMS are often the only one or two VI professionals in the AEA. Consequently, they may be isolated from peers who could provide knowledgeable support.  VI professionals must also be able to interact frequently and successfully with parents, other teachers, and professionals serving their students and administrators in numerous buildings.  In order to successfully serve students and meet the demands of the job, well- developed organizational and people skills are crucial. What Will the Mentee Be Required to Do? Once a mentor has been assigned to a mentee, regular contact between the mentor and mentee is needed to foster a supportive relationship. Contact can be made by phone, e-mail, electronic meetings, video exchange and face-to-face visits. Mentees are required to maintain contact with the mentor. Specifically, they will be required to respond to email and phone messages. The mentor will keep a log on the interactions and will turn this log into the mentor coordinator in April. </p><p>Why do VI Professionals Need a Mentor Program 11/8/2016</p>