“If I were to command a general to turn into a seagull, and if the general did not obey, that would not be the general's fault. It would be mine." – Antoine de Saint Exupry, The Little Prince
The Pupil Tree mentors are guides for the children and share the passion and joy of learning. They are trained individuals who understand and nurture the individuality and passion in each child. With empathy, patience and sensitivity, they help nourish their pupil's creativity, giving them the confidence to believe in themselves.
Our mentors "value children for who they are right now rather than seeing them as adults-in-the-making". They develop and use a wide range of instructional strategies that are appropriate to the developmental age, skills, interests and background of the children.
Selection
Our mentors go through a rigorous selection process. Everyone is selected for their attitudes and skills in interacting with children and supporting their development. While most have a Bachelor's degree; many possess Masters' degrees along with relevent training and experience that includes child development and teaching.
The selection process is shaped keeping in mind the following guidelines:
- They have relevent-knowledge regarding early childhood development and planning programs to foster global development of children
- They have adequate knowledge anount the global standards for child care and early years programs
- They display the ability to integrate information technology appropriately in the classroom
- They have relevant training in child psychology and education
- They have relevant training in safety and security procedures
- They display the ability of introducing language, basic mathematical and scientific concepts through play
- They can teach and inspire in the pre-schoolers the joy of creative pursuits like art, dance and music
- They can communicate with a wide range of adults and children
In addition to these, we also look for creativity, originality, active listening,a problem solving attitude and a range of other soft skills essential to the job of developing and providing care to little children.
Training and Certification
Our mentors undergo intensive training that includes workshops on curriculum, child psychology and pedagogy, as well as the appropriate use of educational activities like storytelling, circle time, design, art and puppetry. Structured on-the-job training in classrooms allows them to apply and improve on the skills they learn.
All mentors undergo an intensive Induction Program on joining. This 70-hour training includes:
- Principles and practices in pre-school education (Maria Montessori, Froebel, Steiner, Piaget, Reggio, Glenn Domain, Gardner)
- Child growth (milestones, psychological perspectives, growth stimulation, hands-on training)
- Development and learning
- Curriculum studies and pedagogy
- Behavioral observation and screening
- Safety, health and nutrition
- Parent and teacher
- Teaching aids
- Circle time
- Emergency and first aid
- Puppetry
- Pre-school storytelling
- Readiness activities (pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-mathematics, pre-school games, telegraphic language)
- Art and craft
- Yoga and meditation
Training is continuous and our mentors constantly upgrade their skills and abilities through planned and structured training plans. We use a blend of workshops and experiential training to provide an environment for learning, discussion and practice.
The use of technology to create and deliver training over the web-, not just enhances the currency and relevance of the training that each mentor receives but also offer opportunities for rich collaboration and discussion.
Each mentor is assigned an individual Learning and Development plan based on her role and her performance. These could include focused aspects of areas like:
- Pre-school appropriate practices
- School-age appropriate practices
- Special needs appropriate practices
- Early literacy and language development
- Basic guidance and discipline
- Additional training on management strategies
- Leadership development
- Latest trends and technologies
The mentors are evaluated and certified based on the training that they complete.
Performance Management and Evaluation
The Pupil Tree mentors undergo formal evaluations based on their performance. The aim of the program is to identify individual training needs and to assist career development. The Performance Management program also helps motivate and enhance the confidence of our mentors-, and help them achieve their full potential. This ultimately increase the effectiveness of education at The Pupil Tree schools.
Career Path
The Pupil Tree offers a structured performance-based career path within each center which-provide mentors multiple opportunities for growth , excellence and expertise in the field of their choice. The Pupil Tree offers multiple avenues for mentors to grow within the organization.
Contact us
Corporate office:
The Pupil Tree Prep school
2nd Floor, Almas Centre,
No. 87, M.G. Road,
Bangalore 560 001 INDIA
Ph: + 91 80 4023 0333
Fax: + 91 80 4023 0330
Website: www.futuretreelearning.com
For enquires write to: info@futurelearning.com