Digital Mentorship Program

The Digital Mentor Program pairs experienced Orff Schulwerk teachers (mentors) with newly trained Orff Schulwerk teachers or teacher educators (mentees) to improve the practice of those seeking mentorship. In today’s digital age, mentors and mentees can communicate effectively through various online platforms—email, chat sessions, video conferencing, and digital video recordings. While these digital connections are the primary mode of interaction, phone calls and in-person observations are also welcome when feasible for both parties.

Focus Areas

The AOSA Digital Mentor Program offers three broad areas of focus:

Project-Oriented

Develops skills for specific projects like Schulwerk-oriented concerts and demonstrations.

Pedagogy-Oriented

Improves teaching preparation, delivery, and evaluation skills. Includes repertoire expansion, lesson development, and composition skills.

Organization-Oriented

Strengthens classroom management, ensemble development, and equipment care abilities.

Both mentor and mentee will collaboratively establish specific needs and goals for their mentorship experience.

Apply for the Digital Mentorship Program

You must be a member to apply for the Digital Mentorship Program. You may log in or sign up by purchasing AOSA Membership – Regular (Annual), AOSA Membership – Regular (3-Year), AOSA Membership – Online Student, AOSA Membership – Student with Orff Echo Benefit or AOSA Membership – Retired.

Resources for The Mentorship Program

Mentee Requirements
  • Potential mentees must have a current AOSA membership. Applicants must have completed an AOSA approved level course (Level I, OR Level II, OR Level III) within two years of the application date.
  • Applicants must have at least 1 year of teaching experience. Individuals must complete the online application by August 15 to be considered for the program.
  • Upon approval of the application by the Digital Mentorship Committee, the mentee will be paired with a mentor and contact information will be provided to each participant.
  • As they begin, the mentee and mentor have the opportunity to craft the goals, type of interactions, and schedule of the experience in a mutually agreeable fashion. This includes:
    • Expectations for a schedule of communication, observation, and interaction
    • Observation format – digital video or live Skype/FaceTime exchanges
    • Procedure for exchange of documents and feedback (lesson plans, written reflections, online discussion)
  • Upon completion of the program, the participants will be asked to submit an electronic evaluation of their experience
Mentor Requirements

Each mentor must meet these requirements:

  • Be a current AOSA member and submit an application by August 15
  • Be a practicing or retired educator
  • Have completed Level III of an Orff Schulwerk teacher education program (or equivalent training in elemental music study)
  • Have completed post-Level III training, including master classes, conferences, curriculum development, supplemental coursework, graduate/doctoral work, or presenting at local and national conferences
  • Have at least 5 years of teaching experience after completing Level III
  • Have at least 10 years of teaching experience in public or private education in their mentorship area
  • Provide mentorship in one or more of these areas:
    • Grade Levels
      • Early childhood (preschool and kindergarten)
      • Primary (Grades K–3)
      • Intermediate (Grades 4–6)
      • Middle School (Grades 6–9)
      • High School (Grades 9–12)
    • Subject Areas
      • Basic Pedagogy
      • Recorder
      • Movement
      • Singing
      • Instruments (pitched or unpitched)
    • AOSA Teacher Education
      • Apprenticeship
      • Level I to Level II
      • Level II to Level III
Mentorship Timeline & Recommended Terms

Those participating in the mentorship program will organize their observations and communications as follows:

  1. Initial conversation (via phone or video conference): October The purpose of this communication will be to provide the parameters of the experience for both mentor and mentee. The goal of the experience will be outlined, and the means of communication will be established, as well as the expected outcomes for both parties.
  2. Three to five (or more) discussions and observations: OctoberApril These observations will include digitally recorded lessons or live observations through internet software followed by a discussion including the mentor’s observations and feedback. The mentee will provide a lesson plan or description of objectives to the mentor prior to any discussion of the observation. Suggestions and recommendations will be recorded and goals set for the next observation as appropriate. The observations should take place regularly over the course of the mentorship and conclude by midApril.
  3. Closure Discussion: May In this conversation, outcomes of the experience will be evaluated by both parties and recommendations made to the mentee for continued exploration and practice.
  4. Reflection & Evaluation: May Both the mentor and the mentee will complete an online evaluation of their experience. The link for this evaluation will be sent via email from the Digital Mentorship Subcommittee.
Technology & Equipment

Both parties of the mentorship must have appropriate facility with and access to digital technology, as outlined below. Use of other technologies is encouraged when appropriate. The following list suggests possible ways to communicate:

  1. Computer with high speed internet
  2. Web camera or digital video camera
  3. Smart phone
  4. Video conferencing application (Zoom, Skype, Google Plus, Facetime, etc.)
  5. YouTube – personal channel for posting videos
  6. Chat software (iChat, etc.)
  7. An email account with attachment capabilities