I have taught for 5 years, which still puts me on the newer end of the spectrum. I often think about the impact that a strong mentor can have on a new or student teacher. Based on my observations in the profession, quality mentorship is a key element to how a teacher develops. We educators are constantly caught in the political frenzy: new standards! more testing! budget cuts! What we really need is honest criticism, helpful ideas, and support.
My two mentors were both on track to retire soon after they 'mentored' me. They each offered dusty books and old-school education thought, but offered little of their attentions.
If you find yourself in a place of mentoring, or if you are looking for a mentor, I suggest you take advantage of this opportunity to build our colleagues and set them off on the right path.
My two mentors were both on track to retire soon after they 'mentored' me. They each offered dusty books and old-school education thought, but offered little of their attentions.
If you find yourself in a place of mentoring, or if you are looking for a mentor, I suggest you take advantage of this opportunity to build our colleagues and set them off on the right path.
1. Be present, as in, actually pay attention to the student teacher in your room and make time to have conversations about each lesson. It might be nerve-wrecking at first, but once you've established a 'team-effort' sense in the conversations, this teacher will benefit from your experienced advice.
2. Give honest criticism, and give it in a formalized setting. No one benefits from simple pats on the back nor from absence of comment. It might be hard to start the conversation, but if everyone is prepared, we will have better educators. You can use the sandwich method ('one good, one bad, another good') to make it easier to give feedback.
3. Give concrete ideas with criticism. If a student or new teacher needs to improve, help brainstorm ideas for this improvement. Pull out ideas from your fuller 'toolbox,' such as useful websites or tried and true methods.
4. Help with discipline practices. Discipline might be one of the most difficult skills to learn for a teacher. Some educators will be naturals, but for those who aren't, giving a few basic suggestions each week could help their teaching experience exponentially.
5. Be supportive. Even if this new or student teacher seems to have it all together, teaching is TOUGH and TIRING. Remind this newer teacher of the things he or she is doing well, bring this teacher some tea, and make the effort to help him or her refresh.