Have you ever considered the people and experiences that influenced your journey and shaped your life? You could write their names on the feathers of your gratitude turkey. Recently, one of my children brought home a construction paper turkey with feathers holding the names of different things he was thankful for. I wasn’t surprised that he was grateful for “PlayStation and pizza.” However, what intrigued me was the number of feathers that contained people’s names. So, during dinner, I asked him about the people he included in his turkey feathers. He had specific reasons for each person, but some common themes were feeling supported, cared for, acknowledged, and encouraged. These common themes got me thinking about who I would put on my turkey feathers. Initially, family and friends came to mind. Still, upon reflecting on my professional life, my mentors rose to the surface as the people I am most grateful for.

Why Mentoring Matters

Research has begun to accrue evidence that high-quality mentoring programs can cut attrition rates, increase the effectiveness of new teachers, and even provide cost savings to schools and districts (Moir et al., 2010). According to one federal study, 92 percent of first-year teachers with mentors returned to the classroom for a second year (Gray & Taie, 2015). These findings underscore the significant impact mentoring can have on teacher retention and overall effectiveness. Moreover, effective mentoring has shown a link to academic gains among students (Schmidt et al., 2017).

However, mentoring is for more than just new teachers. All educators need people who challenge, guide, encourage, and celebrate them. Impactful mentoring accelerates teacher development and increases confidence, self-efficacy, and resiliency. It also empowers decision-making, reflection, and goal-setting. Great mentors have the potential to create lasting impact.

What Makes a Great Mentor?

In 2022, Edutopia reached out to educators via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out what makes a great mentor. After reviewing the 851 responses, they narrowed it down to 6 qualities. Great mentors:

• Are Active Listeners: This showed up the most in educator comments! Rather than simply dispensing information, great mentors listen attentively and withhold judgment.
• Model, But Don’t Mold: In successful mentoring, we aim to inspire educators to be their best. Mentors lead by example, demonstrating how to do things without expecting an exact replica. They embrace the mentee’s strengths, letting individuality shine through.
• Have Experience: Great mentors use their experiences to guide others and are comfortable sharing their learning curves and successes. They can confidently explain why and how they do things.
• Model Balance: Finding work/life balance is incredibly difficult for teachers and can quickly lead to burnout. Mentors can help model balance and find ways to support teachers when overwhelmed.
• Are Committed: Commitment shines through as norms shape the mentor-mentee relationship. Dedicated time is carved out for meaningful conversations, creating a solid foundation for a partnership geared toward growth and support.
• Encourage Reflection:  Impactful mentors ask questions to help the mentee reflect on classroom practices and situations. They empower them to consider choices and make decisions.

Reflecting on my Thanksgiving conversation with my son, those who significantly impacted him share some of the same qualities as a great mentor. They listen, offer encouragement, and genuinely care. While you may not inscribe their names on turkey feathers, this moment presents a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for your mentors and pay it forward by becoming a mentor for someone else.

Kent ISD Mentoring Supports

If becoming a mentor teacher interests you, know that Kent ISD is here to support your journey. We offer three free online modules to explore at your own pace. Take the next step and contribute to the positive impact on education.

Module 1: A Solid Foundation for Mentoring

Participants will explore:

• The importance of mentoring
• What is high-quality mentoring?
• Building trusting relationships
• Adult learning principles
• Stages of new teacher development

Module 2: Communication

Participants will acquire skills and knowledge in:

• Listening and communication tools
• Mentoring conversations
• Providing feedback
• Navigating difficult conversations

Module 3: Mentoring Activities

Participants will acquire skills and knowledge in:

• Modeling Strategies
• Co-planning
• Co-teaching
• Observations
• Planning intentional mentoring meetings

Become a Mentor

As we conclude our reflections, let’s actively embrace the transformative power of mentorship. Join us in expressing gratitude and contributing to a community where mentorship shapes lives. Connect with your district to explore how you can become a mentor and consider registering for our mentoring modules here. For more information, reach out to katiemomber@kentisd.org. 

Let’s take the first step toward positively impacting education together. Cultivate an environment where mentorship flourishes, fostering growth and development within our educational community. Express your gratitude, become a mentor, and let’s continue building a community where the influence of mentorship enriches the lives of educators.

#MentorshipMatters #TeacherEmpowerment #EduCommunity #GrowWithMentorship #TeacherGrowth #KentISDpd #WeLeadLearning

Citations:

• Moir, E., Barlin, D., Gless, J., & Miles, J. (2010). New Teacher Mentoring: Hope and Promise for Improving Teacher Effectiveness.
• Gray, L., and Taie, S. (2015). Public School Teacher Attrition and Mobility in the First Five Years: Results From the First Through Fifth Waves of the 2007–08 Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study.
• Schmidt, R. A., Wang, H., Cassidy, L., & Laguarda, K. (2017). A Comprehensive Model of Teacher Induction: Implementation and Impact on Teachers and Students Evaluation of the New Teacher Center’s i3 Validation Grant, Final Report.

This blog post was written by Katie Momber, Educator Support Consultant for Kent ISD and edited by Amanda Walma, T/L Marketing Specialist for Kent ISD.