Today I start work at 12:15. One of our new instructors is going to sit in on my first two lessons. Then we will sit down together to go over the classes she observed and plan her lessons for this evening. It’s a great opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experience. I avoid telling new instructors how to teach. My role is to help them discover their own style and at the same time make sure they understand the high expectations our customers have at Berlitz.

Once a week, the staff, Instructional Supervisor and I have a meeting to discuss various issues relating to lessons and customers. One important function as mentor is to share information about the customers’ progress with the Japanese staff so that they can counsel the students effectively and with confidence.

My Instructional Supervisor helps me provide support and professional development to new and existing instructors. At 4:45 I have a feedback session with an instructor who has been with us for about a year. My objective for the follow-up session is to help him make his lesson more learner-centered and less material focused. My Instructional Supervisor helps me develop my skills in managing people and helping them to develop personal goals.

Tonight I have two out service lessons on location at one of our corporate clients. Three instructors and I teach at the company every Tuesday and Thursday. As official mentor my Instructional Supervisor relies on me to co-ordinate the out service and when necessary, give advice and support to the other instructors. Teaching a wide variety of students and materials helps me maintain my skills so instructors can trust the feedback I give to help them improve the quality of their instruction.