In what ways can you relate to the information shared?
I can definitely relate to the "Phases of a First Year Teacher" article. Even though I am not a first year social worker anymore, and had prior experience as a social worker in other settings, I feel like these phases still relate even in current year and future years. Every year is different for everyone depending on the classroom structures, environments and taking into consider all of the things that happen in our own personal lives. I think that we go through these phases even as veterans, but especially in our first year going through that new uncharted territory building routines and ideals.
In what ways do you think you can support a new teacher.
I think with knowing the phases, I am able to anticipate the potential support that will be needed throughout the year as well as times where it may be needed more (the beginning of the school year, during observation periods, etc.). I think the first few weeks are critical to be able to be very available to support and mentor a person.
Where do your strengths lie?
I believe that meeting people where they are at and providing a very strength based approach is critical in being a good mentor. Being in the social work field, that is the most important thing when working with individuals in general. My strengths lie in my clinical background and being able to take that into this mentorship role.
In what ways as a mentor will you need additional support?
I will need support in some of the questions my mentor may have that I may not know the answer to, especially if my mentee is in a different building where there may be different day-to-day routines and structures. I may need to seek out those answers to be able to best support my mentee.
What concerns do you have about meeting the needs of your intern?
My goal is to always be helpful and my concern is always to make sure that I am doing enough and making sure that I am able to help the person I am mentoring and answering any questions or concerns they may have. Everyone has different approaches and I am hoping that I can be helpful in the best way possible while also focusing on the strengths of the person I am mentoring.
