Think back to when you decided to go back to school to become an educator. You found the perfect college, the best courses, finished student teaching, applied for job, and finally started teaching. Since that time, you have been on your way to educating students and honing your craft.
A new crop of educators enters our field every year in this same way. Most feeling a little shock—or worse, fear—as they begin their teaching career. It is only natural. New teachers can often doubt their credentials and feel less than 100 percent prepared. Those new educators will be looking to a mentor for support and guidance.
Mentorship is a relationship between a more experienced educator and, usually, a less experienced educator. It is a long-term and formal connection focused on improving not only a specific skill but an educator’s overall craft and performance. It is a powerful tool that can help both the mentor and the mentee to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Portions of the section were excerpted from Modern Mentor.
A mentorship program for teachers can look like many things, but there are some common elements that most programs include. These elements typically include:
There are many benefits of mentorship for educators. Here are some of the most important:
In addition to the benefits above, mentorship can also help educators to:
If you are an educator who is interested in finding a mentor, there are some things you need to remember. First, be clear about your goals. What do you hope to gain from the mentorship relationship? Once you know what you want, you can start to look for a mentor who can help you achieve your goals. Also, remember to be open-minded. When you are looking for a mentor, be open to meeting with people from different backgrounds and with different teaching philosophies. You may be surprised at who can offer you the most valuable insights.
Mentorship is a powerful tool that provides educators with numerous benefits. Through mentorship, educators engage in continuous learning, hone their skills, and develop a lasting professional relationship. By embracing mentorship, you can unlock your full potential and positively influence the future of education.
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