Section 8.6 Acknowledging that all instructors learn new material when starting to teach a new course or in a new way, that this is expected and normal
Offer reassurance to new faculty members who may be feeling unprepared to teach a topic. Provide resources that may be helpful.
Emphasizing that it is ok to admit not being familiar with X and needing help understanding Y.
One advantage of establishing teaching mentor relationships as part of the department's culture is that the mentors can offer comments about their own experiences in having to relearn topics or to learn for the first time topics they needed to be able to teach in their courses. Alert mentors to the importance of sharing such experiences with the new faculty to ease any feelings and worries about being unprepared.
Providing resources for gaining expertise in areas that may seem problematic.
Also alert teaching mentors to the importance of guiding new faculty members to relevant materials and offering to help as needed. Making the relearning or new learning process overt and supported can ease unnecessary anxieties.