BWIS facilitates parent mentoring programming in Illinois elementary schools. This is a nationally recognized parent engagement model
developed by Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) in Chicago. In the PMP model, parents work in classrooms, develop their own leadership, and become more aware of conditions in the school. Parents and schools build mutual trust. Parents participate in leadership trainings, set personal goals , and workforce development.
The Parent Mentor Program is a collaborative effort between a BWIS and
school districts to increase parent engagement and leadership. Through the PEP Initiative, community-based organizations will partner with local schools to recruit and train parents to assist teachers in classrooms 2 hours every day. Parents are assigned to a classroom where they are mentored by a teacher and work one-on-one and in small groups with children. After reaching 100 volunteer hours, parent mentors receive a stipend of $1500
and for each additional 100 hours completed thereafter.
In addition, one day per week, parent mentors receive extra training around academic instruction, intensive professional development, community engagement and leadership skills.
Parent mentors build the relationships to navigate the school system successfully and strengthen skills they need to support their children throughout school and support each other. In turn parent mentors become community leaders and share their skills and knowledge. The
PEP uses schools as a base for workforce development, building ladders of opportunity to teaching and other careers. The Parent Mentor Initiative helps build the foundation for school transformation. BWIS, parents, teachers, and administrators form strong working relationships and collaborate to improve
schools both in terms of academic skills, cultural responsiveness and parent engagement. Schools draw on the strengths of families. As families begin to use the school as a place to access adult education classes and multiple services, schools become vibrant centers of community.
MORE ABOUT PEP…
1. Classroom support: Parent mentors can provide classroom support by volunteering to assist teachers with tasks such as grading, organizing materials, and supervising students during activities.
2. Tutoring: Parent mentors can offer tutoring services to students who need extra help with their schoolwork. This can be done during or after school hours.
3. Mentoring: Parent mentors can serve as mentors to students who may need additional support or guidance. This can include providing emotional support, helping with goal-setting, and providing advice on academic and personal issues.
4. Parent-teacher communication: Parent mentors can serve as a liaison between parents and teachers, helping to facilitate communication and understanding between the two groups.
5. Professional development: Parent mentors can provide professional development opportunities for teachers, sharing their expertise in areas such as child development, communication skills, and community resources.
6. By expanding the parent mentor model to support kids and teachers in school, communities can provide a valuable resource for both students and educators. This can help to improve academic outcomes, build stronger relationships between parents and teachers, and create a more supportive and inclusive school environment.
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