Peer Mentorship in Schools: A Comprehensive Guide and Workbook for Implementing and Sustaining a Peer Mentorship Program in Your School, Paperback

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.

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 well fare 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 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. "Before anything can happen, it begins with a thought. Thoughts are the seeds to creation, but they can also be the seeds of destruction. You must cultivate your thoughts. They are like plants and you must care for them. They can blossom like flowers or choke the life out of you like weeds." -Jose Antonio Aviles