Part 1 Introduction: TEDx - Be a great mentor

My mentor did exactly what was mentioned in the provided video. The one thing that stuck out from experience of being mentored was that my mentor was a great listener. Somebody that actually listened and offered options to approach any issue.
I believe that any new mentee needs  to share their story (background/experience) with their mentor. Then the mentee can complete a self assessment inventory of what their strengths and weaknesses are. This offers a starting point to create a plan that could be successful. 

I realized that it is necessary to welcome the mentee. Once settled in it is important to actively listen to the mentee's story (their background). Then ask them what it is they seek out of this professional relationship.  Getting a new teacher acclimated to our Sweet Home culture and expectations is very important.

1. Reflect:  What from the TedX video caused you to think more deeply about becoming a mentor? As a recent mentee but an experienced teacher coming from another district, I applied my prior knowledge as I transitioned into the Sweet Home District as a result there was a lot less of the day-to-day question that my mentor needed to cover. Had we not gotten to know one another there would have been a lot of time spent on the basics that would have been unnecessary. It’s important that the mentor spend time getting to know the mentee to not only build a relationship but that getting to know them personally, learn about their experiences, strengths/weaknesses and goals will help you better determine how you can best support them. The video mentions: “Have a Plan” I agree that going into the mentor relationship with a plan is important as it will ensure that all necessary topics are covered. I made a list of what I felt a “new” teacher would need to know early in the year to be confident and successful and I will review the provided materials to ensure that I include it where appropriate. I believe the biggest hurdle as a new teacher is that they don’t always know what questions to ask so using my prior experiences will ensure that they get the support they need when they need it. The video says that “it always takes more time, more energy and more effort but that it’s always worth it.” He goes on to say, “That it’s going to be hard”. I’m prepared for the challenge. As I’m aware of the time commitment, the different needs that each mentee will present and that I will need to stay current on best practices and professional development to ensure that my mentees are given the best support to succeed in Sweet Home.  

2. Reflect: From the Self-Assessment Inventory, what stands out the most about the questions and your answers? I think that what stood out the most was that I have a willingness to not only continue my learning but to share what I have learned with others. I’m focused on taking the time to get to know the mentee to ensure that they are receiving the support they need to be successful in their role and I look forward to collaborating with them during their career.  

3. Reflect:  What do you believe you might need help with as a mentor in our school district? Finding common time before/after school to have regular in-person meetings to address the mentees needs. During the school day we may not have a shared planning period, I would look for creative ways to involve the mentee in my world so that they get what support they need from me when they need it.

This was a great video and it reminded me that mentoring is all about building that connection and letting the mentee lead the topic of sessions. It is really important to reflect with the mentee and share your own personal processes so that the mentee can learn with you instead of being instructed. This only works when you build a relationship with the mentee where they know that you care and its a journey for both of you. In addition to assisting with aspects of the job you want the teacher to feel welcome and connected in the building and you are the olive branch for them. Stay positive and encourage was emphasized in the video. Both those things will help strengthen the relationship which allows for more honest and deeper reflections and growth. 

The person who has had the most profound effect on my professional life is Frank Cecela.  He was my cooperating teacher at Campus North and he is responsible for the educator I am today. He taught me how to be a professional and how important it was to continue learning.  He was not afraid to have the hard conversations that needed to be had for a beginning teacher at the same time he was always available with compassionate, kind and encouraging words. He loved teaching English so much and anybody who worked with him couldn’t not love it as much too. He encouraged me to join the National and WNY Writing Project as well as numerous other professional organizations, many of which shaped who I am as an educator today. Because of his example, I am a compassionate, enthusiastic, thoughtful and observant mentor.  

1. This video made it clear that professional mentorships are a critical part of growth in the workplace.  These mentor-mentee relationships can have a powerful impact, both professionally and personally. The component that made me really think about mentoring a new teacher was the time factor.  I do truly believe that in order to be a GREAT mentor, you need to put in the time.  With this being said, one really needs to be committed to this kind of professional relationship. 
2. After reflecting on the self-assessment inventory, I feel the best way I can support a new teacher is sharing my own  experiences throughout the years.  As a veteran teacher, I have many experiences to draw from -experiences with students, parents, colleagues, administration.  Curriculum can easily be taught. It's the other (very large) piece of being an educator, that I feel I can support and encourage a new teacher, simply because I've been there.
3. As I mentioned  in my reflection about the video, time is a crucial factor in making a a mentorship successful. My hopes are for our district to be supportive in giving us ample time to collaborate and work together in the classroom.  Additionally, I hope our Mentor Program is valued.  Mentorship can be a powerful professional development tool, if there is commitment from all parties involved. 

1. I suppose I did not consider the value of the amount of time spent in the relationship. Thinking on this afterwards it makes sense. The trust and understanding takes time for growth.
2. Responding about (2: I have been told I am an excellent teacher and I know that the entails so much. I know early in my teaching I had to connect my still developing style with my adult personality. I will be an advocate for there is no one best way to build a mousetrap.
3. No one single thing stands out that will prevent me from being a great mentor. I suppose that having the other person being too emotional or not showing enough emotion could be a concern. I imagine it is more likely to experience the former, it is easy to be too hard on one’s self. If the teacher under my mentorship is lacking the reflective nature or not passionate enough, I may need advice on how to stir that with them.

1.  This video reminded me that the mentees will have goals that need to be addressed and focused on, as well as the information I will want to share with them.  Understanding their goals will allow me to plan and make our time together more beneficial for both of us.  That's where your good listening skills come into play.  I need to listen to understand what they want to get our of this mentorship too.  
2.  Collaboration and willingness to continuously learn is what stood out for me on the self-evaluation.  Due to the nature of my position as a special education teacher, collaboration is key to creating a stream-lined plan for my students.  Being on the same page is so important for the success of my students.  Being willing to give and take effective teaching strategies with my colleagues is paramount in my student's ability to grow as much as possible.  
3.  Having others observe me has never been something I've been very comfortable with.  But, having a JP this year has changed my opinion about the value of observations.  It made me more reflective on my teaching and what I could do better/different next time I do that lesson.  It showed my JP that even someone who has been teaching for almost 30 years still has much more to learn and it's okay to acknowledge that.  It created some good discussions about best teaching practices.