• Mentor Job Description

    Purpose: To reduce the potential of a student dropping out of school.


    Commitment: The Mentor will be matched one-on-one with a student. He/she will meet with the student at least once a week for approximately 30 minutes to one hour and will work on school grounds, during the school day, for at least four months or one semester.

    Criterion for Participation: Before placement with a student, ALL prospective mentors:

    • Must receive formal mentor training;
    • Are fingerprinted by LCS;
    • Must pass a state and national criminal background check; and
    • Must obtain an LCS photo I.D. badge to wear each time they visit their student.

    NOTE: The security checks and Photo ID badges are processed and paid for by Leon County Schools.

    Training: All Mentors must attend a training session provided by the District Volunteer Office or their chosen school. Background Check paperwork is issued AFTER the mentor has received training and completed basic paperwork. The school-based Mentor Coordinator and other school personnel will be available to give on-the-job advice on a weekly basis.

    Supervisor: School Mentor Coordinator AND other school staff, such as: the Dropout Prevention Coordinator, Guidance Counselor or Classroom Teacher.

    Responsibilities of all Mentors:

    • Set Goals – The Mentor will work with the student to develop long range goals for their academic and personal life. The success of this relationship will depend on the Mentor helping the student reduce these goals to short-term, manageable, weekly activities.
    • Assist with Academic Assignments – The Mentor can check homework, assist with test preparation, make suggestions about research, check the student’s assignment list regularly, and tutor the student, if materials are provided by the teacher or staff person at the school.
    • Be an Advocate for the Student – One of the most valuable things a mentor can do for a student is to be their advocate as far as securing other resources or services the student may need. Sometimes just letting the school know that there is a new situation or need is all it takes. Showing your student how to connect with resources themselves can be even more valuable as a new ‘life skill’.
    • Be a Role Model – The Mentor will be a role model for the student, demonstrating values of punctuality, dependability, and reliability.
    • Encourage the Student to Stay in School – The Mentor will help the student appreciate the importance of education, both personally and professionally.
    • Be a Friend – The Mentor will listen to the student; understand the obstacles the youth perceives, and help him/her find solutions. He/she will work with the student to use existing services in the school community. The Mentor can help with homework or missed class work and encourage attendance.
    • Accept the Student – The student may be of a different race, religion, culture or economic circumstance than the volunteer. A Mentor is expected to respect the student for ‘who they are’ as individuals.
    • Be Positive and Praise! – Help students to understand that they have the ability to achieve and succeed in life!