1. I really resonated with the part of the video where he says that mentoring should be a personal, one-on-one experience. That prompted me to think about we live in a digital age where many of our correspondences are virtual due to efficiency or convenience. Mentoring can be so impactful when it is done intentionally while spending time with people. This fosters a good professional relationship and shows that you are willing to take time out of your day to help. This intentionality also transfers to the planning aspect of mentoring. It is so important to have a plan for every meeting between mentor and mentee. This is an opportunity to ask the mentee what their specific goals are and what they hope to get out of the mentorship experience.
2. I often think back to my first year of teaching and the mentor experience that I had that year. My mentor that year was someone who I had known prior because I had previously worked in her classroom as an aide. I was nervous that it would be difficult for us now to be on an even playing field, both as educators. However, I was fortunately very wrong about that. She was so knowledgeable, reassuring, supportive and encouraging for me. She did all of those things that the TED talk suggested- gave me her time, was a planner, and was always very encouraging. I felt like I could really trust her and go to her for anything. These are the qualities that I would bring into the mentorship program. As a SPED consultant teacher, my position is very collaborative in nature. I also believe that that would be very beneficial in the mentorship program.
3. I think that my biggest thing I will need is making sure I set aside that intentional time. I am involved in a lot of things within my school and outside of school, so carving out that intentional time may be difficult at first but it is so important to do so.
2. I often think back to my first year of teaching and the mentor experience that I had that year. My mentor that year was someone who I had known prior because I had previously worked in her classroom as an aide. I was nervous that it would be difficult for us now to be on an even playing field, both as educators. However, I was fortunately very wrong about that. She was so knowledgeable, reassuring, supportive and encouraging for me. She did all of those things that the TED talk suggested- gave me her time, was a planner, and was always very encouraging. I felt like I could really trust her and go to her for anything. These are the qualities that I would bring into the mentorship program. As a SPED consultant teacher, my position is very collaborative in nature. I also believe that that would be very beneficial in the mentorship program.
3. I think that my biggest thing I will need is making sure I set aside that intentional time. I am involved in a lot of things within my school and outside of school, so carving out that intentional time may be difficult at first but it is so important to do so.