The Head Start Conference For STEP Early Literacy Mentor-Coaches

Introductions
Dionne Dobbins, Head Start Fellow
Office of Head Start

As a qualitative researcher, which is what I did before I came to the Bureau, I often relied on observation to help me interpret and evaluate a situation. Our next speaker, Michelle, may not have known this, but she's been one of my mentors, and I've learned so much from observing her. Michelle is a M-E-N-T-O-R. She's an "M" - my model. I observe her effective interactions with others, and I try to model her behavior. She's an "E" - an encourager. She encourages me to participate in important meetings, and she sees my input as valuable. She's able to provide feedback in an "N" - non-evaluative and non-threatening - manner. I "T" - trust - her opinion. She's willing to provide "O" - opportunities - for me, such as being the person to introduce her today. And we have an "R" - reciprocal - relationship.

I'm honored to have a chance to introduce you to Michelle because, as you can see, I'm one of her loudest cheerleaders. Let me tell you a little bit about her.

Michelle is currently an Education Specialist and Trainer in the Education Branch at the Office of Head Start. During the past year, she has worked closely with the Associate Commissioner. She's been with the national office for eleven years and has worked on a number of efforts, including

She's a former teacher and has taught at every level, from preschool all the way up to college. Prior to joining the Office of Head Start, she was part of a grantee program. She held several positions as a grantee. She was a grantee education coordinator, a parent involvement specialist, a social service and home-based supervisor, a director of special services for children with disabilities, a CDA advisor, and a CDA rep. She currently holds a Doctorate in Education and Curriculum and Instruction. She has Master's Degrees in Child Development, Speech Communication, and Early Childhood Special Education, and she is a licensed social worker. As the kids would say, "She's all that and a bag of chips!" Please help me welcome Dr. Michele Plutro.

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(last modified: March 25, 2003)