1. Reflect: What from the TedX video caused you to think more deeply about becoming a mentor?
I love the idea of “handing off the baton” - I am a big believer in paying it forward, so I feel like this is kind of a way to do that. I suppose I have unofficially or indirectly mentored people before, but they have all been younger and not regarding teaching so to speak. In thinking about my career, the strategies and teaching techniques I now have can very much be attributed to those I have observed and collaborated with; I believe I can honor those before me by passing on these invaluable lessons to those coming in after me.
2. From the Self-Assessment Inventory, what stands out the most about the questions and your answers?
Of all the qualities this particular person has, it is their ability to listen or observe first/speak second that was most impactful. I think it is human nature to want to share our wisdom unsolicited, but many times that wisdom is more helpful when it’s applied as feedback. I believe one of my strengths is to listen to - not just hear - what someone is truly trying to say. In a conversation it’s easy to be thinking about what you are going to say next, as opposed to purely listening. I also feel that because of this skill, I can then draw from my experiences to provide feedback or answers with more discretion and purpose. Since this is my first time “officially” mentoring someone, I think the biggest support I will need is in terms of how to ask the right questions. I think open-ended questions like “What do you need?” or “How can I support you?” are fine for general things (ie: materials, how to ___ ) but I don’t think they lend themselves to getting someone to deeply reflect on what they actually might need in order to grow as a teacher.
3. What do you believe you might need help with as a mentor in our school district?
Very simply, time. Time to get to know my mentee beyond a superficial level. Time to help plan and address concerns before teaching, time to reflect on how a lesson went, time to observe this person teach, and time to assist with planning. I am not sure how much is allotted throughout the year, but to quote Kenneth Ortiz, the number one thing a mentor needs to do is spend “lots and lots and lots of time” with their mentee.
I love the idea of “handing off the baton” - I am a big believer in paying it forward, so I feel like this is kind of a way to do that. I suppose I have unofficially or indirectly mentored people before, but they have all been younger and not regarding teaching so to speak. In thinking about my career, the strategies and teaching techniques I now have can very much be attributed to those I have observed and collaborated with; I believe I can honor those before me by passing on these invaluable lessons to those coming in after me.
2. From the Self-Assessment Inventory, what stands out the most about the questions and your answers?
Of all the qualities this particular person has, it is their ability to listen or observe first/speak second that was most impactful. I think it is human nature to want to share our wisdom unsolicited, but many times that wisdom is more helpful when it’s applied as feedback. I believe one of my strengths is to listen to - not just hear - what someone is truly trying to say. In a conversation it’s easy to be thinking about what you are going to say next, as opposed to purely listening. I also feel that because of this skill, I can then draw from my experiences to provide feedback or answers with more discretion and purpose. Since this is my first time “officially” mentoring someone, I think the biggest support I will need is in terms of how to ask the right questions. I think open-ended questions like “What do you need?” or “How can I support you?” are fine for general things (ie: materials, how to ___ ) but I don’t think they lend themselves to getting someone to deeply reflect on what they actually might need in order to grow as a teacher.
3. What do you believe you might need help with as a mentor in our school district?
Very simply, time. Time to get to know my mentee beyond a superficial level. Time to help plan and address concerns before teaching, time to reflect on how a lesson went, time to observe this person teach, and time to assist with planning. I am not sure how much is allotted throughout the year, but to quote Kenneth Ortiz, the number one thing a mentor needs to do is spend “lots and lots and lots of time” with their mentee.