TILS C-s

Mentor Teacher
Activity: After establishing myself at my school and taking on leadership roles, I was asked to
be a mentor teacher to a new, incoming English teacher.
Description: Our school has a mentoring program where all new teachers and mentors meet for
one day in the summer right before the hustle of the school year begins. We have a luncheon,
introduce ourselves, and then we take our mentees on a tour of the building and go over all the
generalities of the school and handbook.
a. What went well?
The initial part of what went well was that she and I had a great relationship from the
beginnings. We got to know one another and were able to begin dialoguing about any and
all concerns she had. We exchanged numbers so she would be able to contact me anytime
with any questions. When the school year began, she and I would meet every day during
that first week of school to discuss any issues or concerns. Then as the school year
progressed, our time together and discussions became more sporadic.

b. What did not?

The very obvious part that did not go well was the fact that I was in one academy and she
was in another. We did both teach English, but she and I taught different grade levels. The
only commonality she and I had, once the school year began, was that we both taught
English. Our classrooms were on opposite ends of the school building, so we could not be
any farther apart. Also, we did not have the same planning block or time, and we did not
have a similar lunch schedule. There was literally no available time to get together during
the school day, and our schedules began to fill up where after school became a struggle as

well. She did link up with another English teacher, who taught the same grade level and
was across the hall. That teacher became more of a mentor to her than I did.
c. Given the chance to do it again, how would you do it better?
As a leader, if I were to assign a mentor/mentee relationship, I would want to make sure
first and foremost, that those two people work in close proximity. I learned that the role
of a mentor cannot be fully completed if the two members involved never see each other
during the day. I learned that I would have to work with the guidance department to try to
have similar planning times as well. She and I maintained a great relationship, but we
both realized that once the middle of the year hit, she did not need me as much. All of her
questions, she began directing to those she worked closely with in her academy. I realize
the importance of having a mentor/mentee in the same department; however, I learned it
is more important to have someone with whom you can see daily and speak to daily.