Mentoring with kindness

1.        Task

1. (02:41) TIME.  
1. “Have people stand on your shoulders so others can see further than you can see.”
2. What do you think will be the valuable use of time with an intern? 
   Discussing any concerns/questions they come in with, then explaining my own POV/method, having discussions around daily tasks and also larger therapeutic approaches
    When can this take place? 

Before/after schoolHow might you hope to accomplish this??Making a plan with the new therapist about what they might like to learn more about at the onset of mentoring.

1. (07:21) PLAN.  
1. Set forth a plan with your intern’s goals in mind.  As you are creating a plan, it should not be what you, the mentor, want to teach, but it should be what the intern wants to learn.  
2. The intern’s goals should inform and govern the plan.  “Reverse Engineer”
2. (09:08) ENCOURAGING.  
1. First thing out of your mouth should be positive, compliment, words of praise.  
2. Do not praise natural talents, but choices and behavior.
3. (11:00) Closing. 
1.  Bring correction and instruction when needed.
2. “...this is a good way of doing it, but here is a better way…”
1. Self-Assessment Inventory
1. Think of a person who had a positive and enduring impact on your personal or professional life, someone worthy of being called your mentor.  
1. What was it about them did you connect with?

They approached everything with a positive mindset. Even when I had made a mistake, she would praise me for catching it, which removed fear of approaching her for advice or help.

1. What qualities do you have to become a great mentor for a new teacher in our district?
   I have had two amazing mentors that I learned a lot from, and I think approaching everything with a positive spin and being willing to treat others with compassion. I am very solutions-oriented so I would be helpful in making a plan to tackle any difficulties instead of just discussing them.
2. Are there areas that you can anticipate needing guidance or support?
   I think giving any “negative” feedback will be the most difficult task.

3.        Reflection1.    Reflect:  What from the TedX video caused you to think more deeply about becoming a mentor?1.    I found myself making connections to the mentors I have had and things about them that connected me to them versus others who may have been in a position of power that I did not connect with. The largest thing was that people I connected with had an approach of teamwork and solutions and those who I did not connect with had approach problems/challenges by placing blame on others which created an environment where people didn’t ask for help, were afraid to take risks, and overall just was more hostile and defensive.2.    Reflect: From the Self-Assessment Inventory, what stands out the most about the questions and your answers?1.    The need for compassion and kindness3.    Reflect:  What do you believe you might need help with as a mentor in our school district?1.    I can envision myself discussing how to give constructive criticism with my previous mentors