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Teacher MentoringGet a mentor. Teacher mentoring can be your lifeline in your first years of teaching. If you are new to the teaching profession having a seasoned, energetic, professional, positive teacher mentor will help you navigate your way through the first and or second year of teaching. This can also be beneficial if you change schools. A mentor will help you understand the culture of a new school. Many schools provide an experienced teacher mentor for new teachers. These schools have realized the benefit of the support that a mentor provides. The mentor's role should be that of a listener who can provide suggestions when needed on how to work with parents, handle situations with other colleagues, student issues, managing time, and finding balance within the profession. I was very lucky to have a great mentor my first year of teaching who I could run ideas past, vent frustrations, get professional advice on curriculum, parent interactions, and a variety of other school-related issues. This support really helped me find balance and manage my stress level that first year of teaching. While many schools have a mentoring system in place, many do not. First, ask your school if this is something that is provided. If not, notice who on the staff is experienced and still has a positive attitude and projects energy. Ask them if they would be willing to be your teacher mentor. You could meet once a week for a set period of time, generally after school. The mentor relationship must be one that is confidential, where you feel free to discuss issues without fear that what you say will be communicated to anyone else. Confidentiality is a must if this relationship is one that is to support you in your teaching career. Starting a new teaching job is exciting but at the same time can be overwhelming and exhausting. Having a mentor can provide the support necessary to surviving that first year in a new school. As with any relationship you need to find a good fit with a mentor. If you have been assigned a mentor and the relationship isn't providing the support you need ask for a new mentor or make a connection on your own.
Tips for a Successful Mentoring Relationship:
If you are a seasoned teacher consider becoming part of your school's teacher mentor program if there is one established. If your school does not have a mentor program why not be the one to suggest starting one and take a leadership role in doing so? A mentor program provides stability and continuity for the school, and ultimately the students, by giving support to new teachers. It also improves the retention rate for new teachers.
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