- I can relate to these articles because as a veteran teacher, I sometimes feel the ongoing busy, hectic pace of the school year. I have mentored several new teachers and I seehow they are overwhelmed with the workload, I hear them share how they are working endless hours at night and on the weekends. I also see how much they need to learn and they are learning as the year goes on. Mentors are needed for new teachers so they can help field the questions rather than always relying on help from someone on his/her team. I have been in both positions as a mentor and a team colleague who helps with a new teacher. I was happy when SH started the Mentor Program because it gives the new teachers the support they need and has an impact on student success.
- I am confident I can help a new teacher in many ways. I can help with the many obstacles they will come across throughout the year such as North Star entering and reading data, how to give all the assessments we have and what to do with the data collected, Parent-teacher conferences and their observation cycle. I can help him/her with daily difficulties in the classroom, such as classroom management, behavioral strategies, curriculum, how to progress monitoring assessments along with time management. I have been both a classroom teacher teaching multiple grade levels and a Reading interventionist for 32 years, so I feel I have much to offer a mentee.
- My strengths are in Reading Workshop. I have a Reading Recovery Certification. I have a strong background in teaching many strategies for Reading and Writing. I have been modeling for classroom teachers our Morning Message in grades K-2 along with Word Work. I have good communication, classroom management and positive reinforcement strategies. I am very comfortable with modeling lessons and giving both positive feedback as well as constructive criticism when needed. I am someone who is confidential. I have had great success with the mentees I have already worked with in prior years.
