I had a truly exceptional mentor when I began my career as a career educator. He was a great model and mentor; and monitored me in a very caring way.
I didn't even realize what he was doing while he was doing it. It was a very natural process and he made me feel as if I was the most important person there was, as far as he was concerned (even though I know there were others he was mentoring at the same time).
I have worked on making my modeling, mentoring and monitoring as natrual as possible - so the students and employees don't see it as a task I am trying to complete, but as simply what I do.
I just remembered my late mother was also a teacher for nearly 40 years. In the early 70's, she was making $20.00 a month and never complained about it. In fact, I can't recall her having missed 1 day of school. Needless to say she did consider herself fortunate to work with an underprivileged population. For almost thirty years, I've been working with homeless individuals. Along with teaching them a trade, I have also become resourceful in helping with housing and employment. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than helping change lives.
In my early years of schooling (Middle/high school), I was taught by catholic priests who had devoted themselves to chastity and self-sacrifice.
My summer vacations were spent in the country sides, teaching alphabetization during my teenage years. I soon learned the virtues of patience (repeating lesson plans, explaining the same things as many times as necessary), tolerance and the passion of caring for the less fortunate. My institution here being very small with only one program that teaches a trade gearing towards self-sufficiency, I am able to fill many shoes, ranging from admission rep to social worker/teacher, which explains why the "Edu-Psycho-Preneurial" ideal is not farfetched at all. Motivating and encouraging my students (mostly mentally ill) is quite a challenge as some of them may not be able to define their vision clearly or may need to really stretch themselves to accomplish a very minimal goal. Indeed, the extra attention coupled with healthy thinking and rejection of negatve behaviors helps me retain most of my students (when they are not institutionalized).
Antoine,
Thank you for this interesting post. Even though you may not recall having an individual that was your primary mentor, you probabaly had individuals in your life that you modeled your behaviors after. What are the behaviors you try to model for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I can't recall having a mentor who significantly influenced my thoughts and actions. I'd rather say that having been born in a very poor country has taught me to understand factors that negatively affect people's lives. In one admission module, we were warned about admission representatives not being perceived as counselors.The notion of "edupsychopreneurs" fits my vision of changing lives perfectly. Understand why:
"Our institution focuses and enrolls primarily individuals who are mentally challenged (as per our mission statement as a social service agency). The modules repeatedly warn against inconsistencies regarding what can be perceived as discrimination or favoritism. Is there anything inappropriate with being overly patient, overly aware of confidentiality issues, or even extremely forgiving(i-e understanding adverse side effects caused by medications ingestion, excusing authorized absences and crisis hospitalizations), which may require make-up lectures/exams for example, or even, in certain cases, postponement of graduation"?
As a faith-based social service organization, I feel compelled to open our school doors to everyone, regardless of their financial status or lack thereof. And, since we cannot waive the fees for some and charge others, we decided to have a free tuition policy for all, resulting in a noble mission but (I admit)in a school being broke.
James,
You are fortunate that he is still in your life. Be sure the leverage this relationship!
Jeffrey Schillinger
Thanks, Jimmy! I typically mention my father, but my mother was also a mentor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Wow! I love this topic, I had a mentor/instructor when I was a culinary student who happened to be the youngest Certified Master Chef of his day. Not only did he guide me as a young culinarian, we had similar interests; ice hockey, motorcycles, balancing carear and family. Now as I am in education, he comes to my campus to visit, and when he walks in the door his first question is where am I on campus. To have a mentor like this sit in on my class and observe my teaching skills then speak with my students is a memory that I wil share with my students forever.
The majority of the mentors in this thread that had the most significant influence were their father. I learned so much from my father about hard work, being dependable, and being honest. I unfortunately lost my father at a young age so my mentor and the person that had the biggest influence on my life was my mother. She taught me never judge people by the way they look or what you may have heard about them. Give everyone a chance and the respect they deserve. She was also the kindest person I have ever met and would give you her last dollar if she knew you needed it. I now try to use those directions and doing so has built a successful career as an automotive technician and instructor. Like the saying goes “Momma “knows best.
One of my bigegst influences would have to be a coworker that 'took me under his wing'. I had just started teaching, I had a good deal of hard skills, but realy felt I lacked the soft skills necessary to influence the learners. He has a superb way with the students and possibly unknowingly became my mentor. He has given me a varied arsenal of skills that had I not had the pleasure of learing myself, I would not be the instructor I am today.
Andrea ,
Thanks for this interesting post. What are the behaviors you model for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have had two great mentors in my career.One of them was the former White House Chef and his was mostly mentoring by example. I always took his advice to heart because of his acomplishments. He advised me to reach for the stars. I believed him, that anything is possible because he lived his dream and was the first American Chef in the White House.
Craig,
Thanks for sharing this. What are some specific, intentional things you do to ensure your students know they are important to you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My students all know how important they are to me. I listen when they have concerns, I share some of my life's experiences to show them that I've been there and understand. I always have time to speak or listen to them. The best part is that they know they can not only trust me but that I am on their side.
Eric,
My father was my most influencial mentor as well.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My father and fellow friends I've made through out life. My father has helped shaped who I am today with stories and discipline.
Thanks for this post, Mark. waht are some specific things your memntor did to inspire you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I had an art teacher in high school who was a great mentor. that was one of the few classes i enjoyed four years and i really felt inspired to do good work in that class. i believe he brought that out in me.
The biggest thing was set the expectations and active listening with an empathetic ear. It was hard accepting the expectations, but it was made easier by not feeling like they're shoved down my throat.
I just did this last night with a student who has been very negative and self-doubting. She had many excuses. We discussed it, I encouraged her letting her know that I am confident that she can do this, but she has to believe in herself and that negative talk is very powerful. Once she acknowledged this, we talked about the expectations for the course and that they are doable.
Thanks,
Letitia
Letitia,
What are some of the specific things you do for your students that your mentor did for you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
