What I can do to help a new teacher

This process has really helped me to look at myself a little better as a teacher. I know that it will be important to share with new teachers not only the struggles that I have faced in the past but also my current struggles. They need to be assured that they are not alone. Just being a friend to them will be a great comfort and help. I look forward to mentoring a new teacher this coming school year with the knowledge that I have gained throughout this program. I hope that I serve them well!

Growing as a Mentor

Throughout this training I have learned that being a mentor means to be there to support fellow teachers. Sometimes teachers simply need a listening ear, but other times they need someone to be honest with them and help guide them through the year. My experience was with a student teacher and with a teacher coming to the school with twenty-five years of experience. I found that it was easier to mentor to beginning teacher than the experienced teacher at first. As I learned more about what being a mentor really entails, I was able to take what I learned and apply it with the experienced teacher. I tried all of the strategies we discussed in class, but I did not have as much of an impact on this teacher as I did the student teacher. What I am taking with me is that there are no failures as a mentor-the only failure is in not trying.

Growing As A Mentor

This experience has taught me some important things that I will always remember and reflect on during my teaching career. This class has helped to reinforce why learning is a life-long process. Being a mentor to a new teacher is very rewarding because I am helping to guide my mentee in the beginning years of her career. This experience has involved me being a role model for my mentee as well as the two of us working together as partners sharing information and knowledge. While going through this process with her, it has allowed me to grow, learn, and become a better teacher. I not only helped her, but she has helped me as well. We have worked very well together as a team and created a lasting friendship. I feel that we both learned from each other. I can look back now and reflect on many of our conversations regarding a bad day she was having. I often reminded her that we all have days like that even after many years in the classroom.

Things I Have Learned

During this process I have learned many things. Being a new teacher is like being the new student inthe class. You really don't know what to do or how to go about doing, you need a little help. Without guidance new teachers can fall to the wayside. As a mentor ,my job is to restore and upbuild. There are many things I can go do to help my mentee, and some of them can be as small as a smile on a bad day. This course has help me to improve as a teacher and a mentor. It is very important for me to perfect my listening skills, being compassionate, and upbuilding. This course has so many benefits, to many to be listed. I just have to say I was fortunate to be chosen to improve myself and save someone around me.

2010-11 Teacher Support Specialist Blog: Growing As A Mentor!

2010-11 Teacher Support Specialist Blog: Growing As A Mentor!: "Throughout this process, what have you learned about yourself as a mentor?" As a mentor I have learned that learning takes place from both sides. Not only does the mentee learn from you but you also learn from your mentee. I've learned that when your mentee faces challenging days and come to you to vent, it's not all about a problem being solved as it is just having that listening ear. I've learned that it is important to let them know that you are human too and face frustrations, fears, and doubts in your career as well as they do. I find that a person is more willing to open up to you if they know that you too, even with years of experience behind you, are also human and sometimes don't possess all the answers. As an experienced teacher I see that the mentee can look at the mentor and see that there is hope in all the stresses that come with our profession. However, I've been truly grateful for the times when I have been revitalized by the "fresh" excitement in the eyes of that 1st year teacher. It makes me smile as I remember my 1st year!