My greatest mentor taught me to be student of everyone and everything around me this has allowed me to greater understand my role as an instructor by learning from other instructors, the students and the company.
I had my Family in general which supported me and latter a person that guided me and helped me make the right decisions.
Stephen,
Thanks for this post. What are some of the specific things you do for your students as a result of what your mentors did for you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I was terrible at English and never particularly liked school and/or teachers.
Senior year of high school I suddenly went from a C writer to an A writer because I had a teacher who respected my opinions and did not judge them as long as I could argue my points...whether or not he believed I was right. I felt respected and empowered as a person.
When I think about other mentors, they really just supported me in what I was doing and saying, but most importantly encouraging me when I was being too negative or telling myself I couldn't do something.
Rickey,
It is interesting how many folks have listed a partent as their primary mentor. I listed my father when I took this course as a student.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Mine were my father,coaches and bosses. I think back to my early years about how they were a positive impact on who I am. I also remember lesser people who were a negative impact on me, but also helped mold me. As an instructor and teacher I try to project the positive and avoid the negative.
My father was my mentor also. He instilled strong values such as honesty, trust, and ethics.
Guy,
My dad was my most influential mentor as well. He exhibited the same qualities you described above.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Rachael ,
What a great role model. Thanks for sharing this story.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Warren,
"You can only fail if you choose to!" Great comment!
Jeffrey Schillinger
As with many of you my dad was my biggest mentor. The hard work ethic,pride in a job well done,honesty and constant learning are some of the important lessons I learned from this man that only went through the 8th grade.
I have had several mentors in my life. My father and a good friend of his named Bill. Bill really got me started working on cars.
I can think of many whom have influenced me througout my career, but one in particular stands out the most. She is a life long educator who has a brilliant mind and a heart of gold. She remembers each student who crosses her path, genuinely cares about them, and always does what's right -- even if it means extra work and even when nobody else is looking. She has taught me that when a shortcut seems like the route to take, stop, think again, and ask yourself why. When I worked with her, I saw our retention rise, and I attribute a large part of that to her.
I had one person that I feel was a real mentor when I first got into the teaching field. I received some great feed back. But I think the greatest help beside the normal guidance. this comment stays with me every day, You can only fail if you choose to/
Thank you, Charles. What were one or the two specific things these teachers did that proved to you that they cared?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Mitchell,
Excellent post. Thanks!
Jeffrey Schillinger
David,
Thank you for this post. My father was not an educator, but he was my most influential mentor. What are some of the things you learned most from your father that you use today?
Jeffrey Schillinger
In all interactions treat them with respect and listen to them. Try and get to know them as a person so that they feel comfortable speaking with me. When you listen to someone they feel like they have importance or self-worth in your eyes, when you create this relationship they are more likely to listen. I also speak to the situation, not necessarily the person, this way it is not degrading or belittling to the individual and they can better follow the guidance.
My father was actually an educator so when I got the chance to get into this field it was just natural for me because I grew up with it
I have had two teachers through life that were teaching for the right reasons. These teachers realy cared about what I learned in class. They are the reason that I teach now. Their tutoring and mentoring really made a difference in my life. I have used some of their methods to teach my classes.
