• In what ways can you relate to the information shared?I agree with the comments about the various phases. It seems that everyone deals with these. Even experienced teachers will revisit some of these phases. What I do think is that the most successful teachers do take time to reflect on their success/perceived failures and that is what helps them grow into a strong teacher. I think that as a mentor it’s important to step in and provide help, support and guidance in the survival stage as those brand-new teachers can be easily overwhelmed as they are not sure what to expect. Having a classroom of your own is very different from student teaching as your now tasked with behavior management, documentation, setting routines/expectations, and mapping curriculum to create lesson plans for implementation all these aspects can become very time consuming and could easily turn into burnout. Before the year started, I would want to quickly introduce them to their peers within their department. I felt as a new hire getting access early on to materials and resources made it easier to begin lesson planning and syllabus. Those early days can be stressful as there is so much to do but so little time during the workday to handle everything. During the disillusionment phase it would be important to set expectations on what they should do to prepare for open house, parent teacher conference and their first evaluation. My suggestion for the first evaluation would be to review the rubric used and discussing how they can best prepare. At the end of the instructional period before final exams it would be important to meet again and reflect on the year – talking about the successes/failures and areas for improvement to ensure that the mentee is still engaged to continue teaching in the district and to provide time to best prepare for year 2.
• In what ways do you think you can support a new teacher?
Initially it will be through introducing them the to school building, school culture, showing them where to locate policies and procedures and providing key contacts. As we get into the school year I can share strategies and teaching skills that will make a mentee teacher more effective and confident. I have been a “new” teacher in more than one district I can share resources that they’ll need to succeed in our district. I’m happy to be a mentor that listens without judgement about what their concerns are and when appropriate provide feedback or guidance as they may have situations that require additional emotional support whether it be reassurance or encouragement. If it was a mentee within a similar content area I would find ways to collaborate on lessons/projects/curriculum and share my existing resources.
• Where do your strengths lie?
I would use this question to reflect on what I can do yo best support my mentee. I would bring my knowledge and experiences to provide valuable insight for a new teacher. I have patience that allows me to pace the information I'm sharing as not to overwhelm the mentee while still using my communication skills to ensure what I'm providing clear ideas, feedback and instructions. I have a positive attitude that will help mentees and peers remain positive (even in a difficult situation). I'm a teacher that regularly reflects on my teaching experiences to seek improvement in student understanding and engagement. Lastly, I want to see mentee succeed and I'm willing to support them beyond their first year with our district.
• In what ways as a mentor will you need additional support?I would like access to guides and resources that can help me better manage my mentoring relationship. I would also like the ability to connect with other mentors so that we can share experiences and strategies for dealing with any challenges that may occur during the school year.
• In what ways do you think you can support a new teacher?
Initially it will be through introducing them the to school building, school culture, showing them where to locate policies and procedures and providing key contacts. As we get into the school year I can share strategies and teaching skills that will make a mentee teacher more effective and confident. I have been a “new” teacher in more than one district I can share resources that they’ll need to succeed in our district. I’m happy to be a mentor that listens without judgement about what their concerns are and when appropriate provide feedback or guidance as they may have situations that require additional emotional support whether it be reassurance or encouragement. If it was a mentee within a similar content area I would find ways to collaborate on lessons/projects/curriculum and share my existing resources.
• Where do your strengths lie?
I would use this question to reflect on what I can do yo best support my mentee. I would bring my knowledge and experiences to provide valuable insight for a new teacher. I have patience that allows me to pace the information I'm sharing as not to overwhelm the mentee while still using my communication skills to ensure what I'm providing clear ideas, feedback and instructions. I have a positive attitude that will help mentees and peers remain positive (even in a difficult situation). I'm a teacher that regularly reflects on my teaching experiences to seek improvement in student understanding and engagement. Lastly, I want to see mentee succeed and I'm willing to support them beyond their first year with our district.
• In what ways as a mentor will you need additional support?I would like access to guides and resources that can help me better manage my mentoring relationship. I would also like the ability to connect with other mentors so that we can share experiences and strategies for dealing with any challenges that may occur during the school year.