Teacher interested in mediating

From a Teaching Professional:

I am a 20 year veteran teacher interested in becoming a mediator as a way to be a civic volunteer and also to possibly start a second vocation. If you have a minute, I am curious about the following issues:

  • Some of the research I have done indicates that this is more of a field for those who are lawyers. Is this true?
  • Is this a field in which I could feasibly earn a living?
  • After I complete the training, what is the best way to begin this career?

I appreciate your time in answering my questions.

Kris Responds:

As a career, lawyers and other professionals with an established clientele have been able to incorporate these skills more readily to what they already do. Having said that, I would respond with a question, “how do you define career”…because many people from so many walks of life have found ways to call themselves a mediator within the context of their chosen fields. For instance, many state agencies now have mediators on staff to help resolve human resource complaints, vendor/contract disputes and consumer dissatisfaction related issues. In that sense, a good case can be made for the use of a “mediator” title and credential as being appropriate for many. However, in the more restrictive sense of hanging a shingle out and having the public seekyour services, you are right to assume that the majority of referrals would be coming from the legal community and, unless a specific marketing niche (such as adoption disputes, e.g.) has been identified with your name; it would be not be likely that a ready stream of referrals are out there waiting to call. I would say it is difficult to earn a living as a mediator, even if you are a lawyer, psychologist or other solo practitioner in a different field. The reason is that the public does not yet embrace the need for a mediator; much like it was resistant to the idea of a counselor 40 yrs. ago. I expect this to change as the world grows tired of the more adversarial means to resolve disputes–including the disenchantment with law suits.

Thinking more broadly, one can earn a living with related functions such as training services, group facilitation endeavors, strategic planning and other “consensus” building activities that many employers are interested in funding. Mediation skills and “conflict theory” are integral to these skills and, the DRC’s training is a great place to jumpstart in this direction.

Also, it would be advisable to join professional mediation organizations representing the interests of professional mediators and learn how to market your skills. Developing a specialty niche while staying diverse in a number of activities would be advisable. If your background is the teaching field, then you might want to market higher education representatives, especially where funding and legislative decisions are prevalent. Examples such as special education services or faculty/student disputes come to mind. Some questions to answer might be1) In the organizations you are most familiar with, where are the lawsuits targeted? 2) Who are the critical contacts to help divert those complaints to a different route of resolution. Then be able to define your role in helping to make that happen.

Regardless of what title you choose for yourself, the Basic 40 Hour Mediation Training as a life skills course is invaluable in conducting the routine aspects of anyone’s life. For this reason alone, the course is popular and continues to enjoy waiting list status. Best of luck in your own journey regarding this direction, and I do hope we see you in a future class.

Kris