When I think of one of my mentors, the word that comes to mind is "approachable." This person has always been easy to talk with, no matter what the content might be. I have tried to incorporate this quality into my own life so that when a student has a "trivial" concern, it is never projected back in that light. Other qualities I have learned to appreciate involve calmness, balance, thinking before speaking and NOT acting on emotions. We might feel with our hearts but I believe we need to think with our heads.
Leading by example is critically important. Nobody can respect a mentor if they don't do what they say and say what they do.
I had an aunt years ago that taught school. For some reason I just loved seeing her and wanted to be just like her. I believe my goal of getting my education degree started there. Later on when I changed directions and got into healthcare I found that I wanted to combine both teaching and Healthcare so I got into medical coding and teaching. I enjoy working with my students very much and credit alot of my success to a former supervisor who pushed me to get certified in coding and held me accountable when I didn't want to go on. I also have a supervisor now at the school where I teach who is a big reason I am still here.
Thank you, Karen.
What specifically did you high school teacher do that influenced you so positively?
I decided to become a teacher in 3rd grade--really! I was blessed with more than one amazing instructor in elementary school. Later, in high school, I met the English teacher that helped me determine what course I was meant to teach.
Good teachers saw me as more than just another student. They cared about me beyond the walls of the classroom. In contrast, poor teachers taught me how I never wanted to be.
In addition, I have an amazing family who always believed that I would succeed. Many of my students lack this type of support, so I am known as both "work mom" to my peers and "school mom" to my students. I love spending time with students--letting them know that I care and believe in them--just as my old teachers did and just as my family still does for me.
My undergraduate counselor has been my mentor ever since. She inspired me to believe in what each person can do and become. I remember her telling me that there is at least one important thing that each person can do and will not be done unless they do it. That put to perspective each person's contribution and how we as those supporting them in reaching their potential must continue to empower them.
Now I approach my students with the same belief and support as I was given by my mentor.
Miss williams was my mentor I am able to provide for my children today because she did not let me quit school. I use to think of her like as a spy.
She always knew when I needed help.
A good mentor most know when the students need a litle nurturing
Thanks, Cristina. Showing this type of caring is what separates good schools from the rest.
I always make sure I remember their name. I always ask about the children and/or the family -- how they are doing. I go out of my way when an instructor informs me of an absence. I call personally and ask how I can help. Mostly I am able to assist in some way when it comes to transportation and work problems (conflict). They like it when you ask them to come to my office and share a few minutes and just talk about them. It helps me understand their concerns and am able to help them effectively.
Thank you, Darrell. My dad was my greatest mentor. His advise and example were very simmilar to what you expressed in this post.
Cristina,
What are one or two things you do intentionally other than looking at the students, (which is great),to make them feel important?
Thanks, Earl. It sounds like your students are in good hands.
as for a mentor in my "life" it would have to have been my father, the most important words he ever said to me were, "you know right from wrong" and I have lived those words to the best of my ability to this day.
Now as for a mentor in my current career, I would have to say it was my Hontech Instructors Eric Bartosky and Mike Ross when I was going to school. Now, ironically I work beside both of them from time to time and am commonly known to my students by the label given to mne by Eric as "success story".
I am a walking and talking testimate to the instruction and tutalage that I have received at MMI as a former student myself. Because I am now an instructor back here at MMI sharing with my students the learning that made me a professional success in this chosen career.
I had a few mentors while I was a student myself. Most prominent one was my English teacher in 10th grade. She always emphasized the importance of catching the audience attention through your voice and eye contact. She always said to treat each one at the audience as if there was just one of them. It really made a difference in my classroom when I started teaching and I know the students appreciate feeling important by looking at them when you try to convey something. I knew I wanted to be in such an environment where the learning never stops.
Dr. Murray was very strict and held high expectations from his students. He showed me the value of dedication and hard work. I can see that setting high standards for my students while showing support via mentoring can help them experience success.
I believe we tend to remember those teachers who often stretched our imagination.
There is a psychological concept known as observational learning. I believe many students look to their instructors for guidance. It is important that we project a professional image at all times.
Earl,
What did Dr. Murray do that made such a lasting impression on you? How can you do the same for your students?
One of my undergraduate psychology professors made a lastinf impression on me. His name is Dr. Murray. He was a clinical psychologist who inspired me to pursue my passion. His belief in me helped me to obtain a Ph.D.
In high school I had an english teacher who preached think outside the box it helped me to see the world differently
