There is nothing more powerful than receiving adjusting and affirming feedback from a peer. This book is designed to assist all school stakeholders who are interested in implementing an effective peer mentorship program that is specifically geared for middle or high school students. Whether you are a student, parent, guidance counselor, social worker, teacher, or principal, this book will be a guide listing and framing best practices for the coordination of a peer mentorship program. Peer mentorship can be an essential piece of a larger puzzle and have a tremendous impact on school culture nationwide. For students being mentored, the difference in them is almost immediate. Mentorship has a significant effect on attendance, grade point averages, suspension rates, disciplinary referrals, and classroom disruption and bullying. There are several essential components that make up peer mentorship. First, there is the leadership institute that all mentors must complete. In this institute, peer mentors will be trained not only as peer mentors, but as peer mediators specializing in conflict resolution. This has a direct impact on school climate and culture by addressing issues such as arguments, disagreements, and fights. Then, there is the creation of a peer council. This is a mechanism designed to keep peer mentors in check. Though peer mentors are selected and trained, they are still teenagers and, at times, will succumb to poor decision-making. Peer council holds mentors accountable. Lastly, there is continual collaboration with peer mentors covering a variety of subject matter throughout the year. This will provide mentors with the tools and guidance they will need when working with their mentees. Peer mentorship is a powerful tool that will assist middle and high school stakeholders in achieving their goal of providing the most student-friendly environment possible.
About the Author: Dr. Jose A. Aviles was born and raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. His parents Mirta and Julio Aviles were the first generation to come over from Puerto Rico. Dr. Aviles came from humble beginnings growing up in the projects and on welfare for a time. Dr. Aviles has overcome his fair share of obstacles. From the physical and emotional abuse he suffered as a child and the pain of bullying he endured on the playground and streets of Brooklyn, these experiences molded him. He witnessed many of his family members succumb to substance abuse and suicide. The pressure of low expectation fueled him to want more and accomplish more. Dr. Aviles graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School where he was an undersized all-city performer at wide receiver for the Lincoln Railsplitters who were finalist in the Public School Athletic League. Dr. Aviles then attended Ramapo College where he pledged for Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Inc. Dr. Aviles transferred to Kean University where he received his B.A. in Sociology. He earned his M.A. in Educational Administration from St. Peters College and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University. Dr. Aviles began his teaching career in Newark, New Jersey where became Vice Principal of West Side High School. During this time he influenced many students to achieve more despite the many violent obstacles in their path. He eventually earned the title of principal of Barringer High School. A school with a poor reputation of underachieving in recent years, Dr. Aviles was determined to influence the students of Barringer High School to excel despite the many socio-economic barriers that stood in their way. During his tenure at Barringer test scores, attendance and graduation rates increased while suspensions and drop out rates decreased. Dr. Aviles has been serving students as an educator for over twenty years and has motivated many to go on and achieve more. He is a mentor for Big Brother and Big sisters and he is constantly searching for new ways to touch the hearts of those he serves. Dr. Aviles understands that we can only measure our Nation's progress by its schools' performance. Dr. Aviles is married to Lizmaris Mantilla-Aviles and is the proud father of Talayeh whose love has been his foundation and the reason to go out and inspire others.