In what ways do you think you can support a new teacher?
Help them by creating a supportive environment based on their questions and feelings of inadequacies. We've all been there and reminding them of that. Lead them based on their questions. Help them see the positives they already possess and use a growth mindset to build from there. The first month of teaching is critical for constant check-ins. It is an overwhelming time for anyone new to a building, a profession and new to students. Knowing that you are a constant for them will give them one stable part of each day. It is critical to give them reminders about self-preservation (sleep, eating right and exercising), so they can have the strength to continually give all that they have to their students, classroom and school, while recharging themselves. It is important to help them prioritize what is most important when they feel overwhelmed. As they start to achieve small goals, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and start to be able to objectively look at what went right and what went wrong. Keeping a list of positives and negatives will help balance self-doubt and continue with their growth mindset. Reminders to build a community with other young teachers is also critical. These are the people you will work side by side with for many years. You need people you can go to when you need to laugh, cry or share important life experiences.
Where do your strengths lie?
Building a relationship is of utmost importance to me. It is critical for my peer to feel that I am and will be a confidant. As a new teacher, you don't want to accidentally say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Always knowing they can say anything to me and I will be honest with them and guide them in the right direction is crucial. I will be their safe place. Due to the nature of my job, I have learned curriculums preK-5 (even middle and high school too). As my peer has curriculum based questions, I will know where resources are both online as well as coaches and other colleagues. Since I have taught in the classrooms of various teachers, I know who the master teachers are to observe specific skills or lessons that would compliment and enhance my peer's style of teaching. My style is to look for the positives in a situation. Because of this, I am good at identifying strengths a person has to offer students and colleagues. People don't always see this in themselves and it re-energizes you. My peer will know they can contact me day or night and trust that I will assist them in a timely manner.
What concerns do you have about meeting the needs of your intern?
Our district has gone through much change in the past couple years, specifically with administration. Until roles at district office are specified, it will be hard to know which direction to point my peer in to assist with certain questions or problems. Most notably is Tom Robert's job. Whenever there was a question related to technical programs, student enrollment in programs we use or your rostering list it was always directed to him. I am concerned with having accurate information to guide them to certain answers.
Help them by creating a supportive environment based on their questions and feelings of inadequacies. We've all been there and reminding them of that. Lead them based on their questions. Help them see the positives they already possess and use a growth mindset to build from there. The first month of teaching is critical for constant check-ins. It is an overwhelming time for anyone new to a building, a profession and new to students. Knowing that you are a constant for them will give them one stable part of each day. It is critical to give them reminders about self-preservation (sleep, eating right and exercising), so they can have the strength to continually give all that they have to their students, classroom and school, while recharging themselves. It is important to help them prioritize what is most important when they feel overwhelmed. As they start to achieve small goals, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and start to be able to objectively look at what went right and what went wrong. Keeping a list of positives and negatives will help balance self-doubt and continue with their growth mindset. Reminders to build a community with other young teachers is also critical. These are the people you will work side by side with for many years. You need people you can go to when you need to laugh, cry or share important life experiences.
Where do your strengths lie?
Building a relationship is of utmost importance to me. It is critical for my peer to feel that I am and will be a confidant. As a new teacher, you don't want to accidentally say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Always knowing they can say anything to me and I will be honest with them and guide them in the right direction is crucial. I will be their safe place. Due to the nature of my job, I have learned curriculums preK-5 (even middle and high school too). As my peer has curriculum based questions, I will know where resources are both online as well as coaches and other colleagues. Since I have taught in the classrooms of various teachers, I know who the master teachers are to observe specific skills or lessons that would compliment and enhance my peer's style of teaching. My style is to look for the positives in a situation. Because of this, I am good at identifying strengths a person has to offer students and colleagues. People don't always see this in themselves and it re-energizes you. My peer will know they can contact me day or night and trust that I will assist them in a timely manner.
What concerns do you have about meeting the needs of your intern?
Our district has gone through much change in the past couple years, specifically with administration. Until roles at district office are specified, it will be hard to know which direction to point my peer in to assist with certain questions or problems. Most notably is Tom Robert's job. Whenever there was a question related to technical programs, student enrollment in programs we use or your rostering list it was always directed to him. I am concerned with having accurate information to guide them to certain answers.