Collaboration of Mentors in Church-Supported Kindergartens in Hódmezővásárhely – Birth of a Workshop

Abstract

A pivotal stage in the process of becoming an educator is the internship years. As mentors, we assist and support our novice colleagues during this challenging period, helping them articulate their pedagogical views and develop their competencies. As mentors, we value professional cohesion, exchange of experiences, methodological innovation, and continuous self-improvement. In collaboration with church-supported institutions in my hometown, I established a working group named „Együtt MEGY” to support mentors and interns in Hódmezővásárhely’s church-supported kindergartens. The first part of the study provides a brief overview of the current challenges, issues, and deficiencies in the mentoring field. In my opinion, the foundation for effective collaboration between mentors and interns – aside from individual consultations with interns – lies in organizing mentorship and mentor-intern meetings. These gatherings can facilitate the sharing of experiences, best practices, and professional development. The study presents the background of establishing our working group, the workshop activities conducted in the first year, their outcomes, and the tasks ahead in the coming period.