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!

Growing as a Mentor!

I have learned a tremendous bit about myself during this process. I have reflected on my personality and how other teachers percieve me while also looking at my teaching styles and how I can improve in my own classroom as well as helping other teachers improve in theirs. I have seen that they are many attributes I possess that help me to be a better mentor while there are also some qualities I possess that I need to improve on. I am greatful for this opportunity to look at myself as an individual and as a teacher.

Growing As A Mentor!

Throughout this process, what have you learned about yourself as a mentor?

Mathematics Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites

The presenter, Mrs. Clowers was GREAT!. I enjoyed the activities and really wanted to just return to school and try some of them. I really enjoyed the music as we changed from one activity to another. I need her playlists! The activities will definitely keep my students engaged and me excited as well.
GREAT day of training!

Roles and Responsibilities

The first session was a real eye opener for me. It made me think back to when I first started teaching. I had the best mentor that any new teacher could ask for. I learned a lot from her. She was a real professional and took her job very seriously. I really liked that because she really cared and made sure I had everything I needed. I plan to be there for my mentee just as my mentor was there for me. It really made a difference especially when I had a bad day. Just to have someone have a listening ear and truly understand can mean the world.

Mathematics Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites

Mrs. Clowers was an awesome presenter. The activities she showed were very easy to follow and very engaging. Students need those types of activities because I believe this will keep them engaged and motivated. I know as teachers, we all love to get new and creative activities that we know will be real hits with our students.

My Role as a Mentor

The first session showed me that I need to be aware of my responsibilities and actions as a mentor. I realize that personalities will be a hurdle I will have to overcome time and time again. I must always lend a listening hear and a shoulder to lean on as a mentee. My first year teaching I was assigned a wonderful mentor. Not only did she listen ti me , but she pushed me year after year to be the best that I could be. I furthered my education and took on more roles and responsibilities at school. I want to be just as inspiring to our new teachers. I also want to be the voice of reason when they feel that they can no longer take it anymore. This course has to be the best practice and advice I have learned in my teaching career.

Math Sheets Don't Grow Dendrites

I was really engaged during this presentation. We are always looking for ways to engage our students and keep them actively learning. I was encouraged by the information that was presented. I am always looking for ways to introduce and teach math in non traditional ways, and I really got a lot of ideas. I came back to my classroom and immediately put the things I've learned into practice. my students responded well and were able to grasp the information and apply it in the everyday world. This was and excellent class!

Mathematics Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites

At first, I was a little hesitant about the session because I do not teach math. However, I learned strategies that can be used in every subject to ensure that the students are engaged in the lessons. I have already shared many of the ideas with my grade level as well as the math teachers at my school.

Roles and Responsibilities

The first session provided me with information to reflect on myself and how I will approach working with my mentees. The big issue that I will address with my mentees will be Cornerstone and the workshop model. The main issue that I see as a problem will be personality types. Since I am a golden retriever and one of my mentees is also, grade level meetings will be interesting. I am learning to be more assertive and to take on leadership roles.

Math worksheets

I found Mrs. Clowers very exciting and interesting. She has helped me to look at math instruction in a different light. I have attempted using some of the strategies suggested and have found them to be very effective. Understanding that when we use our bodies as well as our hands to learn, can make a great impact on our students. It is vital that we try to meet the needs of our students. The text presented last time is a great resource to help us do just that!

Worksheets and Moving

I thought Ms. Clowers was fabulous! I am a firm believer that kids must learn in many different ways- not just sitting and drilling. There is a time and a place for them, but learning is so much more than paper. I love to move around and use all senses to learn, and I want my mentee to understand how important it is for the students to be able to do the same! I am currently sharing the book with her- Dendrites.... Look forward to more wonderful things to come!