I can relate to the information shared in many ways. Firstly, although a new teacher probably feels the cycle described in article 2 at a much deeper level, I still feel as though I go through a similar cycle every year. The pace of the school year is hectic and the amount of items on the to-do list always seems to be growing. I think as veteran teachers, we are able to predict these things and plan for them better, but they still exist. I can also relate to having had great mentors that I still think about and try to emulate in my everyday teaching. The impact mentors can have is tremendous.
I think when the disillusionment phase starts to set in, it is important to listen, support, and prioritize self-care. There are going to be many overwhelming things for a mentee, and having to attend a mentor meeting shouldn’t be an additional stress, but a place to feel relief and hope from the day-to-day stressors. I hope to be an active listener and someone that my mentee feels like can help support them in array of different things - from day to day tasks unique to ENL teachers to classroom management.
I think when the disillusionment phase starts to set in, it is important to listen, support, and prioritize self-care. There are going to be many overwhelming things for a mentee, and having to attend a mentor meeting shouldn’t be an additional stress, but a place to feel relief and hope from the day-to-day stressors. I hope to be an active listener and someone that my mentee feels like can help support them in array of different things - from day to day tasks unique to ENL teachers to classroom management.