The Power of Mentoring

What a great Spring Break.  The week has flown by, with quite a mixture of weather thrown in to keep us on our toes.  Today turned out to be not too bad and allowed me a chance to get out for a run.  While I was running I started to think about some of the people in my life who I consider mentors.  We know that mentors are people that we have to choose, whose values and beliefs match with our own.  There are a few key people in my life whom I still rely on for feedback and advice.

Just before spring break we said farewell to three of our student teachers, Leah, Shannon, and Carmen.  The role that our staff plays as mentors and positive role models for beginning teachers is impressive.  The vast experience and background that our teaching staff has to offer to those just starting out helps to ensure that the student teachers have a solid foundation to begin their careers.  As in all relationships, however, there is a give and take.  In the teacher/student-teacher relationship our teachers gain fresh insights and ideas to blend into their own repertoire, while student teachers gain immensely from years of experience. This is an important part of the work we do as we create opportunities for people to put their studies into practice.  It requires support from the University, the School District, staff, students, and most importantly, parents.  We have been fortunate to have excellent beginning teachers placed in our school.

As I think about it, the relationship that exists between the teacher and student-teacher is the same that exists between teachers and students.  The idea is to provide them with some knowledge and then let them explore how that fits with their understanding by trying it on for size;  all the while, providing them with feedback, encouragement, and support.  We build the scaffolding that supports the learning and then as they become proficient we are able to take the supports away and let them experience their learning for themselves.  Many teachers remain life-long mentors for students who return for advice and friendship.  What a great legacy.

We all play the role of mentor in some way in our lives.  When someone chooses to ask our advice and accept our feedback we grow ourselves.