First Day Reflections!
You survived your first Teacher Support Specialist Class! What are your thoughts as you reflect on being a mentor? Did your thinking change as we discussed the needs of new teachers? How do you see your role as a mentor in your school?
I am excited about being a mentor for “baby” teachers. I know that I would not have made it past the first five years if it weren’t for the teachers that took me under their wing. This is always in my mind when I see a new teacher in the building. I want to be able to offer them the support that I received to help them be successful.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that hit home for me was the drawing of a new teacher. We have the same stresses and responsibilities as the new teachers, but with more background knowledge. I know how to put grades into Infinite Campus, CRCT testing procedures, conduct grades, procedures for the running of the school, how to get supplies that I need, what the acronyms mean, etc.
My role as a mentor in my school is to offer the needed support that any teacher might need to help make their teaching experience smoother. It could be showing a teacher how to use technology that is foreign to him/her, offering a new instructional strategy, or being the sounding board for his/her frustrations.
(Jennifer Livingston)
Jennifer, the drawing of a new teacher was really an eye opener for me as well. With the visual in front of me I can see how someone new coming into this profession can be completely overwhelmed. Teaching is one of the only professions I know of where someone is expected to hit the ground running. “Baby” teachers have the same thing roles and responsibilities we veteran teachers have, but we just know how to juggle everything more gracefully (or at least we like to think we do). I see my role as a mentor teacher as someone who can show “baby” teachers how to juggle with grace (or at least think that they are juggling with grace).
DeleteJennifer,
DeleteI feel the same way that if it had not been for other teachers taking me under their wings, I might not have stayed in this profession. I think keeping a remembrance of our humble beginnings is key to relating to new teachers.
Jessica Thorne
Jennifer,
DeleteI believe that it is up to us Mentor teachers to keep new teachers afloat. I have seen in action new teachers who come in the middle of the year due to displacement or just a new hire, and basically get thrown into a pack of wolves! Mentor teachers need to take that opportunity to frequently visit these teachers who are feeling like we described in our drawings.
Going through the first TSS class really sent me down memory lane. As we were discussing the stresses of a new teacher, I was reflecting on my own first year of teaching. It was a rough year. I remember feeling so isolated, being the at two different schools and the only teacher in my subject area. I think that pairing new teachers with a mentor is a wonderful program. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and supporting my teacher in any way I can. I think it will be reassuring for them to know that it does get easier each year, as you refine your plan and strategies.
ReplyDeleteNicki Brown: I think that the class was great! I had a wonderful time meeting all of the great teachers. Being a mentor to me is being able to support and help others when needed, to share ideas and strategies, and to really become invested in their lives to ensure great rapport. I think that helping “baby” teachers is really important especially in the beginning. There are so many things to learn and do that it gets overwhelming even for veteran teachers. New teachers need the support. I really enjoyed the video created by the science teacher reflecting on her first year as a teacher. It was a great way to show how one can learn from their students. I think that new teachers need more support. I think back to my first year of teaching and remember having closed doors. I hope that I always can be an open door to any teacher. In my school I see myself helping mentor mainly lower grade teachers.
ReplyDeleteIt's just me! Joint gmail account with my honey ;)
ReplyDeleteNavigating the world of teaching can be overwhelming for all teachers, and if you are a new teacher, it can be magnified! So, as I think about the journey that I am embarking upon, I feel as though I will be getting the much needed support from my fellow TSS colleagues.
ReplyDeleteLeaving the 1st session I was strengthen in my thinking of what it really means to be a Teacher Support Specialist. So, I view this as an extraordinary opportunity to stand side-by-side with another colleague in a coaching partnership, whereby I will be able to share my experiences, information, perspective, and resources. In addition, I get to serve as a sounding board for new ideas and struggles for my mentee teacher and we work through these things together. In the long run, I see both of us benefiting from the positive interactions of the relationship.
I am eagerly excited about the upcoming sessions with other TSSers, because of all the collaborating, brainstorming, problem solving, learning, and sharing that will be involved!
So, let the journey begin…:-))
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ReplyDeleteI was very pleased with the first TSS training day. I found the entire day useful and informative. I am very excited about the prospect of mentoring new teachers because I believe that this is where the success of new teachers is established. I remember my first year teaching and the support I received from my mentor teacher. It made my life so much easier to have someone to ask questions to in private (because I didn’t want to look dumb in public). More than that I felt that I truly had a friend at my first school. I am looking forward to working with my teacher the way my mentor worked with me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the first day of TSS training. The day was full of useful information of how I can help my mentee. We just went to another training together. She was in the science training most of the day but I did go to lunch with her and she expressed her concerns and struggles. I gave her some ways to cope with being a teacher in a low SES environment. I am looking forward to working with her the rest of the year and hopefully she will overcome some of her challenges with triumph.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed our first TSS class. It was fun and the day went fast I didn't feel like I was in a class. It reminded me of how "baby" teachers may feel and it also made me think of some veteran teachers that may have the same struggles as a new teacher with all the new requirements for teaching. It really reminded me that whether we are new or veteran teachers we all feel the same stesses on a day to day basis. I am excited about helping another teacher and being able to share my experiences with someone else.
ReplyDeleteThe first day of TSS training was informative, engaging, and fun. I now have a better understanding of my role as a TSS. As TSS mentor it is important that I help my mentee to improve her teaching practice. This can be done by offering practical advice on topics such as lesson planning and grading students. I will also be there to provide emotional support.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to begin the process of becoming a system mentor. I could not have gotten through my first 3 years of teaching without my mentors or veteran teachers. I feel that mentors provide much needed support to “baby” teachers. We all know from experience that college can only prepare you so much for your own classroom, but once you’re there, you are on your own. By having a mentoring system for our “baby” teachers, you give them a shoulder to cry on, a person to plan with, and most importantly, a friend they can count on. New teachers are very fragile so providing a safety net will give them a boost of confidence.
ReplyDeleteI already feel like a mentor in my school because I am the “veteran” teacher on my team this year. I am teaching with a brand new teacher and a seasoned teacher who taught only Pre-K for 10 years. It’s scary to think that I’m the veteran, but exciting that I can share my ideas and yet still learn so much from them. I feel that my role as a mentor will be to provide encouragement, emotional support, and celebrate a lot of firsts!! I am excited to grow as a mentor and teacher as I complete the TSS process!!
I am excited about being a mentor. I love my mentee. We get along very well, and have the best conversations. I think this helps a great deal in the mentoring process.
ReplyDeleteI learned many things on the first day of class that will help me become a better mentor. My mentee is struggling right now, as we all do at times, so anything that will make me a stronger mentor to her is appreciated.
I feel like mentoring is a two-way street. I believe I learn as much from my mentee as she learns from me. I love the way we work together. I am looking forward to learning more about the mentoring process, and more ways to help my mentee.
Lisa,
DeleteThat is so wonderful that you and your mentee get along so well and have the best conversations. Positive social interactions can really make the difference when we are experiencing negativity throughout the day. I know I felt that way, especially when I was a new teacher. Truthfully, I still feel that way now.:)
Jessica
Our last session really inspired me. I am so excited to learn how to be a better mentor. I have had some great meetings with my mentee
ReplyDeleteThe first T.S.S. workshop was awesome! What I enjoyed most was hearing the personal stories of how mentoring touched the lives of individuals, especially from the facilitators of the workshop. In addition, I liked coming up with all of the adjectives to describe a mentor. Mentoring is such a broad term to describe so many aspects of a person. I learned that a mentor teacher needs to be whatever the mentee teacher needs. If the mentee teacher needs advice, a shoulder to cry on, constructive criticism, etc., then that is what the mentor teacher is there for. How wonderful that we work in a district that provides this support for new teachers! My love of teaching has been renewed and I truly feel inspired!
ReplyDeleteJessica
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ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the first TSS Workshop! This is such a crucial aspect in the first few years of teaching and I cannot wait to help my new teachers. I think the best part for me was hearing all of the descriptions of what a mentor is. A mentor really can make or break a new teacher and I know when I first started, that basket of candy when I was feeling stressed was all I needed from my Mentor!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really am interested in, is learning how to open up and mentor to veteran teachers. So many are just counting down the days til retirement or until they come to a breaking point and that is not how it should be! I feel that I can share new ideas but they get down so easily due to the fact that they have seen many changes in education an are basically tired of change.
I look forward to working with this year's group of TSSers and learning more about myself and how I can open up and talk as well as just listen to my mentee.
I truly enjoyed my first day of TSS training! The 2nd session was even better. Having the hands on practice helps with what we will do with our mentee. I look forward to working more with my mentee, helping them with whatever they need in the school. I hope that I can be as good a mentor to her as I had when I first started teaching.
ReplyDeleteI really did enjoy the first meeting. Yes, I know it's a little past the date. Well actually, a lot past that meeting. The best part about being involved in this course is talking with other teachers and getting ideas and suggestions from them. I can't wait to get back together in February and getting more information.I am also very exciting about getting back to school and being of some help to my mentee.
ReplyDeleteSo looking foward to the TSS Class tomorrow...Marcia Tate, can someone say YEAH :-))! I know the TSSers will receive some rewarding and outstanding information and strategies while having an awesome time!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the opportunity to me a part of TSS! I believe that what I learn in this training will not only help a new teacher, but also help me be a better teacher!
ReplyDeleteMy first day of class was AWESOME! I know I was built to motivate, innovate and sometime reincarnate teachers in this profession. I love what I do and I want all other teachers to feel the same passion that I have about educating our future leaders! I hope I can inspire not only my mentee, but my co-workers that have concerns about the professions! This is going to be a GREAT program for me!
ReplyDeleteSorry so late! I am really enjoying the TSS meetings. We have wonderful and caring teachers in our district! I appreciate the district mentors for allowing us to attend such great professional development to prepare us for mentoring. My daughter is a first year so I know how much our new teachers need our help.
ReplyDeleteNew teachers have so much to learn and they can become overwhelmed very quickly. It is so important to support them by providing information and a shoulder to cry on if needed. We never know what might cause stress for our new teachers until something comes up. My mentee is a great new teacher but she still needs advice when new situations arise.
Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI agree, sorry I'm late too!! Jackie I feel the same - I have been enjoying the TSS meetings. The presenters have been great and the activities have been wonderful. When I think back to my first day of TSS class, I was happy and excited to be considered a mentee to fellow teachers. As I remember my first year of teaching, I remember the stress and list of endless things I needed to complete weekly and/or monthly. On many occasions I took the long road or method for completing task instead of the short steps. As I look back over my first year, I realized mentoring makes a difference. It was imperative that I had a mentor who was available for support and guidance. I look forward to being the model mentor by providing support, guidance and most of all displaying loyalty. I look forward to implementing all the knowledge I received from the mentoring class
Steve Johnson
ReplyDeleteFound that I was already doing much of what we discussed the first day. As I brought up in class, the brand new teachers often have little or nothing and don't have the money to purchase things until first payday, if then, since first payday may be two months after school starts. Also saw that it may be difficult to override problems with teachers that they have to plan, etc with...especially when it has been dictated that all do the same thing, activities, quizzes, tests, etc.
I really enjoyed the first TSS training. I am so glad that I am receiving this training for mentoring. I really enjoy helping new teachers.
ReplyDeleteThe TSS sessions have been very informative and very beneficial. I think many of these session would also be beneficial to all teachers whether you are a novice to the field or a veteran. The facilitators have been wonderful and the information has been priceless.
ReplyDeleteMy first day of TSS was wonderful. I had the opportunity to meet teachers from elementary, middle and high school. The first class gave me the opportunity to reflect on my first year as a teacher. I realized how important the role of my mentor assisting me with nearly everything was exactly what I needed. My mentee was great, caring and most of all a great listener. The first TSS class showed me that mentee, who I had for three years, was doing everything correct. The first class set the tone for what to expect as a mentor and it made me realize this is an important and rewarding role to take on. The facilitators were knowledgeable and encouraging. I had a great experience at my first TSS meeting.
ReplyDeleteJosiah Sumbry
ReplyDeleteBeing selected as mentor teacher is quite an honor that I do not take lightly. I wish such a program existed when I began teaching 19 years old. The program will help me do what I love doing most: helping others. I truly want to learn the art of faciliting. I don't want to thrust my opinions on my mentee; but rather, I want to lead her down the path of self-realization. Isn't self-discovery a more powerful means of effecting positive change?
Sheila Jones
ReplyDeleteRegretfully, I was not able to attend the first TSS meeting; however, I look forward to being fully engaged at all future meetings. I know that, as a mentor, I will be able to provide the support my mentee needs in order to transition smoothly into the school in addition to helping him or her obtain the desired results in regard to student performance. My experience and listening ability will allow me to be the sounding board my mentee needs when adjusting to a new environment. I will make myself available and I am sure that each TSS meeting will equip me with additional knowledge and skills that will be useful to both of us.
Michael Peek
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was unable to attend the first meeting, having the opportunity to serve as a mentor teacher is an honor to me. I want to share my experiences as a mentee with those that I have an opportunity to serve as a mentor. My first experiences as a new teacher were so positive and fulfilling that after the first year when the principal asked if I survived or thrived, I was happy to say I thrived. The success was directly related to the experience I had with my mentor teacher.