Reflect: What from the TEDx video caused you to think more deeply about becoming a mentor?
In Kenneth Ortiz's TEDx talk, his emphasis on the relational aspect of mentorship resonated deeply. He stressed that effective mentorship goes beyond just providing advice—it's about building a meaningful, trust-based relationship with the mentee. Ortiz's personal anecdotes about how his mentors significantly influenced his life highlighted the profound impact a mentor can have. It really showed how important the relationship is. This also stands out because real relationships are built on time, availability, and reliability. In a mentor/mentee relationship, the mentee has to feel they can reach out and connect when problems arise, not just on a scheduled time..Reflect: From the Self-Assessment Inventory, what stands out the most about the questions and your answers?
As far as thinking more deeply, I did not necessarily see anything brand new in this video. I have been working in schools for 19 years, and have naturally fell into a mentor role several times over that time. In my own life, I think of a particular mentor in my career and the two things that stand out are availability, kindness and lack of territoriality. In teaching, there can be an undercurrent of provincialism, as teachers want to protect their own way of doing things in order to have something over a colleague. This is unhealthy and is NOT needed in a mentor at all. The generosity of spirit to share ideas, materials and time are what stand out in a profession where every minute is often spoken for. I generally am pretty well planned and at this point in my life I do not need to be home to “meet the bus” like I used to, so would be available for impromptu after school meet-ups.Reflect: What do you believe you might need help with as a mentor in our school district?
As a mentor in our school district, I might need help with knowing the administrative flow-chart for different tasks. Often mentees will be needing guidance for different aspects of their craft in year one (PowerSchool, PDP, CTLE, Referrals, PLCs, Schoology, different learning platforms…) and I lack a totally cogent understanding of who is in charge of what at the district and building level. With this totally outlined, I would be better prepared to help a future mentee.
John Elliott