Those who teach for a living remember the first time they stepped into a classroom to teach. However, as daunting as the experience may have been, many teachers feel more apprehensive about mentoring another colleague for the first time than a class full of kids and teens. Becoming an effective teacher leader requires dedication and special knowledge. It’s not about the magician revealing its tricks but supporting another individual’s professional growth.
The mentoring process is essential for teacher retention and can be an effective tool for newcomers and veterans. According to this Sadlier School article, “Without mentors or instructional coaches, teachers may flounder through every decision they make, from how to use a copier to how to develop strong formative and summative assessments. Schools lose a great deal of money when bright, energetic teachers burn out quickly and then continue to rehire and retrain new educators.”
To begin a mentorship, both parties need to acknowledge that the educator-teacher leader relationship is not a typical hierarchical relationship. Both teachers are colleagues in the profession and can learn from one another. This symbiotic bond is essential for building openness and trust and starting a mutual aid network instead of fostering a competitive environment.
Resources for Developing Teacher and Mentor Growth
There are many resources for teacher leaders navigating this process. For example, the Youngstown State University (YSU) online Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) – Teacher Leader program offers a Building Capacity of Adult Learners course. This course recognizes the unique learning needs of adults and explores theories and research on topics like motivation and interpersonal relationships to prepare students for mentorship.
There are other online resources teacher leaders can use, such as the guide to mentoring new teachers from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). This guide takes an in-depth look at mentor selection criteria, stress and fatigue, and providing people-driven support. According to the SREB, people-driven support involves “support [of] teachers’ entry into professional communities,” emphasizing “both teacher and mentor growth,” and is one of the most important aspects of a successful mentorship program.
Dedicate the Time
The first step to building a people-oriented support system is to dedicate time for mentoring and preparation rather than just tackling the situations as they come. As the SREB guide notes, “Mentors need protected time to engage in mentoring activities, such as attending training sessions, preparing mentoring materials, and observing and meeting with their mentees.”
When meeting new teachers, much of the work is in reassurance and encouragement. Reminding them that all difficulties are part of the learning curve and being there for those moments are two of the best ways to show support.
Per the Sadlier School article, “All new teachers have many terrible moments, including running out of copies, struggling with a specific student, and not knowing how to respond to an angry parent email.” In each case, a mentor can copy materials, watch the student for a period and proofread or screen emails to parents. Sadlier School adds that such “kindnesses really help new teachers become mature, thoughtful educators who will go on to offer the same kindnesses to others.” This mutual aid can be particularly useful when educators navigate new challenges, such as adopting new technology or hybrid/remote lessons. Teachers can benefit immensely from learning from each other.
Offer Thoughtful Feedback
Lastly, constructive criticism and positive feedback are some of the most valuable pieces of information a veteran teacher can offer a growing educator, especially when a new teacher is beginning to feel overwhelmed. Timing the feedback correctly and choosing the right words is an art, but empathy and sensibility are essential traits of effective teacher leaders.
Graduates of YSU’s online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – C&I – Teacher Leader program can navigate the nuances of education as effective mentors and leaders.
Learn more about YSU’s online Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Teacher Leader program.
