Pre-service and early career teachers are in a challenging position. You are expected to hit the ground running, ready to take on one of the most challenging jobs I can possibility think of, and are expected to do a good job from the start. You are under the scrutiny of your colleagues, the administration and parents. You chose this profession because you want to work with young people, and make a difference. You didn't really understand all of the other things that come with the job. The paperwork, the phone calls, the true weight of responsibility for getting it all done.
I only had the benefit of a mentor for a brief time in my early teaching career. I had a administrator for a year when I taught in a middle school in Buffalo that was the most amazing supporter. I was working and teaching in a grant funded position, without my certification, and she was really the one that made me believe that I was a "real" teacher, and that it was the profession I was meant to be in. Her commitment to the students in the building as the real priority was inspiring. I remember her calling me into her office to discuss a meeting she had with another teacher, who had complained about the noise and apparent chaos coming from my classroom. She told me firmly that she knew learning science was a loud and messy endeavor, that she thought my students were engaged and excited to be with me, and that I should just close my door and keep on with the important business of teaching.
I have now had the change to mentor multiple student teachers in my own classroom, as well as early career teachers in my department. I try to take that responsibility very seriously. I feel that a good mentor has to walk the line between support staff and colleague. I have learned just as much from my mentees as I hope they have learned from me. I want them to see me as someone who can offer advice, but also someone who wants to learn and grow and become a better teacher as well. I do not have all of the answers, not by a long shot. But I do have experience, I have "been there" for most of the challenges that a new teacher faces, and I want to help my mentee perhaps struggle just a little bit less than I had too.
I also hope to help my current new teacher keep her passion and excitement. This is her first classroom and she is so excited and passionate about teaching! I want her to keep that spark and that love of being with students, and perhaps steal a little of it for myself.
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