WISE Mentoring
As a mentor you have a unique opportunity to change a student’s life. Come be a part of a small community of awesome humans who are working to learn how to inspire change in the lives of their peers.
How do I apply?
Instructions:
To apply, look for the application on our Apply page (click here). Everything you need to know and do is in the application, but you can learn more details about the application process, the interview process, and see the application questions in the images above. You can also download a copy of the application handout below by clicking HERE.
To apply, look for the application on our Apply page (click here). Everything you need to know and do is in the application, but you can learn more details about the application process, the interview process, and see the application questions in the images above. You can also download a copy of the application handout below by clicking HERE.
What is WISE Mentoring?
WISE Mentoring is an elective class at Tam which provides mentoring training to 11th and 12th graders. Each year the mentors in this program help a select group of 9th and 10th graders stay focused and motivated in school, develop the skills they need to pass their classes, and, mostly, build their sense of self confidence so they can be successful at Tam and outside of Tam.
What do we do in the class?
Class time is spent training students to be great mentors, helping mentors process the work they are doing with their mentees each week, and reflecting on how we as mentors show up as students and mentors in the world. Once a week mentors use class time to meet with their elementary school mentee.
Mentors receive extensive training in
The WISE Mentoring class is a unique community of Tam students who represent a diverse set of backgrounds, interests, and personalities and who come together to learn how to help others. If you're looking to be a part of a small community like this, join us!
Mentors receive extensive training in
- Advanced listening and discussion skills
- Tutoring skills
- Motivational strategies
- Mentoring skills
- Self reflection
- Goal setting
The WISE Mentoring class is a unique community of Tam students who represent a diverse set of backgrounds, interests, and personalities and who come together to learn how to help others. If you're looking to be a part of a small community like this, join us!
Mentor Expectations
WISE Mentors do not need to be straight A students, they just need to be motivated to help others, patient, self-reflective, and above all mature and reliable.
There is essentially no homework for this class, but mentors are required to commit one full tutorial period each week to work with their mentee.
Mentors are matched with two mentees:
1) a Tam 9th or 10th grader.
2) a local elementary school student. Current mentors spend Wednesday's class at MLK Academy in Sausalito, Park School in Mill Valley, or Edna McGuire in Mill Valley. (Mentors work with these mentees during our class time.)
There is essentially no homework for this class, but mentors are required to commit one full tutorial period each week to work with their mentee.
Mentors are matched with two mentees:
1) a Tam 9th or 10th grader.
2) a local elementary school student. Current mentors spend Wednesday's class at MLK Academy in Sausalito, Park School in Mill Valley, or Edna McGuire in Mill Valley. (Mentors work with these mentees during our class time.)
A year in WISE Mentoring...
August - September: Mentors receive a crash-course in mentoring skills
October: Mentors meet their Tam mentees and begin their once a week meetings during tutorial
October/November: Mentors begin weekly mentoring with a local elementary student / WISE Mentoring field trip #1
October - May: Partnerships meet regularly once a week during tutorial
May: WISE Mentoring field trip #2
May/June: End of the year celebration
October: Mentors meet their Tam mentees and begin their once a week meetings during tutorial
October/November: Mentors begin weekly mentoring with a local elementary student / WISE Mentoring field trip #1
October - May: Partnerships meet regularly once a week during tutorial
May: WISE Mentoring field trip #2
May/June: End of the year celebration
What past WISE Mentors say about being in this program:
"WISE Mentoring is the best program Tam has to offer. WISE teaches students the communication, social, and leadership skills it takes to be a great mentor and person. I love how WISE is a discussion based class and that a majority of our lessons involve talking to each other to get a better understanding of concepts. As a person who has an interest in psychology, WISE also gives great lessons on how certain behaviors affect people. WISE is perfect for those who want to better their community, their communication, leadership, and skills, have an interest in psychology, or likes classes with lots of discussion among peers and Mrs. Levine."
"Wise Mentoring is an awesome opportunity for students to get to reflect on their past experiences, and help others in the process. Through goal setting, academic reflection, and communication skills, mentors learn how to help people in one-on-one situations in various situations. Working with another student feels special and unique, and it is rewarding to watch them (and yourself) grow throughout the year. This is a class where we help others, and I feel incredibly honored to be helping my mentee grow and work with others through the process."
"I think that this is a fantastic program for people to sign up for at Tam. Not only do you get to help guide others through school and life, but you also get to learn more about yourself. Through this program my outlook on school, friends, and overall life have changed in a positive way."
"WISE Mentoring is such a valuable class that everyone at Tam should take advantage of! If you are empathetic, compassionate, and looking for a way to support fellow students this is the right class for you! In this class you learn skills that even you can utilize in your daily life. Through WISE, I have witnessed the real impact we can have when we come together and support one another."
"I’ve been in a ton of different electives through my four years at Tam and WISE really is a unique and special program. The opportunity to take a mentorship role is offered nowhere else and is quite beneficial. It improves your communication skills, empathy, and both parties gain tremendously from the relationship."
"Being part of the WISE program I have discovered how important and rewarding being a mentor is. I am able to use my experience and what I have learned through high school to help others, which is truly an incredible feeling. The communication skills I have learned help me in being a leader and in navigating sensitive situations, and I will hopefully continue to build on those skills throughout this year and after. It has also helped me become more reliable and dependable, as I want to be there for my mentee as much as possible."
"Wise Mentoring is an awesome opportunity for students to get to reflect on their past experiences, and help others in the process. Through goal setting, academic reflection, and communication skills, mentors learn how to help people in one-on-one situations in various situations. Working with another student feels special and unique, and it is rewarding to watch them (and yourself) grow throughout the year. This is a class where we help others, and I feel incredibly honored to be helping my mentee grow and work with others through the process."
"I think that this is a fantastic program for people to sign up for at Tam. Not only do you get to help guide others through school and life, but you also get to learn more about yourself. Through this program my outlook on school, friends, and overall life have changed in a positive way."
"WISE Mentoring is such a valuable class that everyone at Tam should take advantage of! If you are empathetic, compassionate, and looking for a way to support fellow students this is the right class for you! In this class you learn skills that even you can utilize in your daily life. Through WISE, I have witnessed the real impact we can have when we come together and support one another."
"I’ve been in a ton of different electives through my four years at Tam and WISE really is a unique and special program. The opportunity to take a mentorship role is offered nowhere else and is quite beneficial. It improves your communication skills, empathy, and both parties gain tremendously from the relationship."
"Being part of the WISE program I have discovered how important and rewarding being a mentor is. I am able to use my experience and what I have learned through high school to help others, which is truly an incredible feeling. The communication skills I have learned help me in being a leader and in navigating sensitive situations, and I will hopefully continue to build on those skills throughout this year and after. It has also helped me become more reliable and dependable, as I want to be there for my mentee as much as possible."
