PROGRAMS > Peer-To-Peer Mentoring, I AM Connecting
I Am Connecting
Program Description
I AM Connecting is a peer-to-peer mentoring program where high school students teach an approved character building course curriculum (I AM) to 2nd grade students from one of their feeder elementary schools. The program is a partnership between FuturePoint, the high school, the elementary school and the Urban Teacher Academy Program (UTAP) a scholarship program that currently operates in five Broward High Schools (Stranahan, Deerfield Beach, Flanagan, Hallandale and Nova) and prepares high school students to become teachers with a commitment to serve in Broward County. Currently, I Am Connecting is operational at Stranahan H.S, Hallandale H.S, Flanagan H.S, Deerfield Beach H.S and Nova H.S.
The program runs from August through April and is integrated into the UTAP curriculum. At the beginning of the school year, the program is introduced to the participating high school classes. The students then attend a training day that brings together all of the UTAP students from each participating high school where they will learn critical thinking skills, communication skills and how to work in team. All students gain real world teaching skills by working together to develop lesson plans, exercises, class management techniques, program reviews and program evaluation tools. Then the students facilitate once a week, which includes an introduction, 10 curriculum lessons, reviews, and the development of a year-end celebratory reception.
There are two main goals of the I Am Connecting program. First, our goal is to empower potential future teachers by providing them with a hands-on classroom experience and a structured training program that will require them to develop personal responsibility, self-confidence, classroom management skills, public speaking skills and high level organizational skills. The second goal is to provide positive mentor relationships with 2nd graders and help them learn about positive behavioral concepts like responsibility, honesty, character, the power of feelings and emotions, and how to make a difference.
Program Highlights
- Approved and proven character education course
- Hands on teaching experience
- Weekly reporting, monthly follow up
- Ongoing coaching for mentors
- Earn service hours
Some of the benefits of “I AM Connecting”
- Provides the high school and elementary students with the opportunity to learn together the fundamental lessons essential to becoming the best each is meant to be.
- Supports the Broward School’s Character Education Program.
- Provides positive role models to the younger students.
- The mentors will re-enforce their own learning through the teaching of important life management and self-esteem building concepts.
- Provides with concepts and a common visual and verbal vocabulary for helping to shape behavior in the classroom.
When asked what they learned through this program, the second graders answered:
“I learned how to be a good R.A.S.C.A.L. and that I am a good person.” Shakoya, 8
“I loved the songs and learned to be kind.” Mia, 8
“I learned to believe in myself and to use my character to be kind to others.” Eriah, 8
“My greatest treasure is my heart.” Eric, 8
Teachers have also stated:
“I think the program should be continued to help bring out the best behavior in our students.”
- Ms. Warren, Northfork Elementary School
“The students look forward to the lessons and love to sing the character building songs all day.”
- Ms. Snook, Northfork Elementary School
This teacher/mentor experience is an invaluable process that builds and enhances self-esteem, presentation and speaking skills, personal management skills, ability to focus, and provides a strong sense of community involvement, commitment and achievement. As teenagers, students are becoming more and more aware of the internal challenges of life, and this program gives them the opportunity to teach other “soon to be teens” some of the key life skills necessary to deal with those challenges. This opportunity for kids to help kids creates a strong sense of ownership in the program, not only for the mentors, but for those receiving the training.
