Day 6: What does a good mentor do?
Mentor: someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person (according to Merriam-Webster)
I had to look it up, because to be honest, I wasn't sure I could describe one. I had a 'mentor' my first year of teaching, but I don't feel like I got anything from her. She didn't really reach out to me, and honestly, I didn't seek her out either.
So what does a good mentor do? If I could go back to that time - to her or to me - what advice would I give? Looking back, what did I need that first year?
First, I think a good mentor checks in. As a teacher, time is precious. I understand that we all have a thousand items are our to-do list, and we work many more hours than advertised. But having someone stick their head in my room, on a regular basis, to make sure I was okay, would have been nice. The conversation doesn't have to be long or be about lesson plans. Just knowing someone is there, and cares, can really mean a lot to a first year teacher.
Second, I think a good mentor shares their tricks. If you have a shortcut for grading, the location to the secret printer, or something small that helps with your to-do list, it should be shared. The new teacher may not use it, but sometimes, it's a lifesaver thrown to a drowing person.
Finally, I think a good mentor listens. I don't need anyone to solve my problems, but having someone to listen while I talk (and think out loud) is good to have. And if I can't solve my problem, the mentor knows about it and can help work on a solution.
I had to look it up, because to be honest, I wasn't sure I could describe one. I had a 'mentor' my first year of teaching, but I don't feel like I got anything from her. She didn't really reach out to me, and honestly, I didn't seek her out either.
So what does a good mentor do? If I could go back to that time - to her or to me - what advice would I give? Looking back, what did I need that first year?
First, I think a good mentor checks in. As a teacher, time is precious. I understand that we all have a thousand items are our to-do list, and we work many more hours than advertised. But having someone stick their head in my room, on a regular basis, to make sure I was okay, would have been nice. The conversation doesn't have to be long or be about lesson plans. Just knowing someone is there, and cares, can really mean a lot to a first year teacher.
Second, I think a good mentor shares their tricks. If you have a shortcut for grading, the location to the secret printer, or something small that helps with your to-do list, it should be shared. The new teacher may not use it, but sometimes, it's a lifesaver thrown to a drowing person.
Finally, I think a good mentor listens. I don't need anyone to solve my problems, but having someone to listen while I talk (and think out loud) is good to have. And if I can't solve my problem, the mentor knows about it and can help work on a solution.
Comments
Post a Comment