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MENTOR-TEACHER LINKS
There is extensive support for teachers wishing to establish contact with trained industry mentors through Futureintech and their Ambassador scheme.
Carol says involvement in the mentoring programme has been highly satisfying. "It began with CREST, but Beacon Practice has expanded the whole area for me. It's a feel-good thing. You feel really good when you've got your material across to the teachers. You feel really good exposing them to new experiences."
Carol encourages others in the food industry to get involved in their local schools, and become a mentor: "Interacting with a keen group of Food Technology teachers is easy. It's a stress-free thing, because you aren't being asked to deliver anything difficult. Most of the stuff is in your head or easy to lay your hands on."
Carol points out that it is important for both teachers and mentors to understand the differences in culture between industry and schools. Schools can seem intimidating, she says, and suggests that host teachers can help out by doing simple things, such as being at the front desk to welcome their mentor. "Communication is critical to the relationship. Ringing teachers is difficult in many schools, so regular email communication is often a better option. Unexpected things, like a sports trip, can also crop up then it's crucial that mentors are informed before they turn up as arranged."
Diana, having gained confidence through her work with Carol, has forged additional links with Massey University and the dairy industry and with food technologists from a local processing company, who have served as clients for her Scholarship students.
"Technology is not a static subject but it can be static in our classrooms if we don't look beyond our school walls," says Diana. "Carol has helped me realise the vast wealth of experience and knowledge there is out there in the community and how it can be used by teachers if they are prepared to give it a go."
"Not only do schools benefit enormously from this industry contact, but it also helps in our fight to make industry realise that Technology is a valuable and viable subject in our schools."
The mentoring model Carol and Diana established at Tararua College would translate well to other schools and other subjects. "It's a great way to broaden student experience, give a very real context for their technological practice, and to help make learning more personally relevant. For the teacher it can be a great way to receive support and development."
"For teachers, it might seem hard to make the first contact and you may be unsure of the reception you will get. But if you don't take that first step, you may have lost an opportunity you will never get back."
