Mentoring is My Jam! - A Writing Journey

     

   


Mentoring Is My Jam!

I’ve spent years immersed in the world of mentoring, starting with a dissertation focused on advice that mentor teachers would offer to first-year teachers. I loved every second of the work! Along the way, I learned a startling statistic: nearly 50% of teachers leave the profession within their first five years, and the number one reason is their relationship with supervisors. Armed with this knowledge, I realized something had to change in how we serve and support new teachers.

This realization sparked a journey that has shaped my career. Over the years, I’ve developed practices and frameworks to help new teachers thrive. At first, I thought these ideas were just "common sense." However, as I like to joke, "Common sense is not that common!" Treat people the way you want to be treated. Support them where they are in their growth. Meet them in the moment. But as I shared my work, people began to tell me I had something special, something worth sharing.

What started as simple practices has grown into a passion—a slightly quirky obsession, if I’m being honest! Whenever I talk about mentoring, I experience what I call a "Magic Moment." It’s that uncontrollable rush of energy, the kind that sends chills throughout your body. And here’s the best part: when I invite others into the world of mentoring, they start to feel it too. Their faces light up, their energy shifts, and they begin to see the transformative power of this work.

Building Trust and Space for Growth

One of the most impactful practices I’ve developed is the concept of "Mentoring Moment Meetings." These are regular, intentional check-ins where mentors and mentees set aside time to reflect, ask questions, and celebrate progress. These meetings aren’t just about solving problems—they’re about building trust and creating space for growth.

During these meetings, I often encourage mentees to share their thoughts first. Asking open-ended questions like, “What’s been going well for you this week?” or “What’s been your biggest challenge?” helps set the tone for collaboration. This approach signals that their voice matters and creates a safe space for honest reflection.

Another practice I’ve embraced is learning alongside the mentee. There’s something humbling and empowering about making mistakes together and problem-solving as a team. For example, new teachers often assume that I, as the mentor, have all the answers. But when I say, "I have no idea how to fix this—let’s unpack some ideas together and try something new," it shifts the dynamic. It creates a partnership and reinforces that we’re in this journey together.

I remember one new teacher who was struggling to balance engaging students in fun activities while maintaining a focused and well-managed classroom. Instead of offering a ready-made solution, we brainstormed together. We tried incorporating short brain breaks between lessons to re-engage students and experimented with collaborative group work to give students more ownership of their learning. Each week, we reflected on what worked and adjusted as needed. Over time, that teacher didn’t just grow in their confidence—they built strategies they could use for years to come. And perhaps even more importantly, they felt supported in a way that made them want to stay and thrive in the profession.

Mentoring Beyond Education

While my focus has been on mentoring new teachers, I believe mentoring is a universal need. Whether you’re in education, business, healthcare, or any other field, the same principles apply. After all, teachers are leaders, and leaders are teachers! Imagine what could happen if we all approached our roles with this mindset: treat people with respect, meet them where they are, and help them grow.

For leaders in any field, mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being present, listening deeply, and creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to take the next step in their journey. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures—a kind word, an honest conversation, or a willingness to say, “Let’s figure this out together”—that have the greatest impact.

A Call to Action

So, I leave you with this: Who has been a mentor in your life? How did they help you grow? And how can you pay that forward in your work and relationships?

Whether you’re mentoring new teachers, leading a team, or simply supporting someone who’s starting out, know that your efforts have the power to create ripple effects that can transform lives. Let’s continue to "Mentor our Future," one Magic Moment at a time.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your own mentoring stories in the comments or connect with me—I’m always eager to learn from others who are passionate about supporting the next generation. Together, we can build a brighter future for teachers, students, and everyone in between.


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