Your Mentor
I had an instructor in a high school tech class that followed these procedures and i didnt see it then but when i became an instructor myself i understood why he was so concerned with our well being and how important our success was to him.
Thanks, Stephen.
Your peers who read this will be receiving good advise.
This supervisor took the time to seriously provide constructive feedback. It was clear to me that he sincerely wanted me to succeed and he knew that I had to make some changes in order to do so. When I am counseling a student in regards to behavior or discipline, I make an effort to build a rapport with him/her. I want the student to see my heart. If am successful, I will not only adress the issue at hand but I will have an impact on their future success and development.
The first step I take to inspire desire is to get to know them. I ask questions and then simply listen to them. I enjoy being in the moment as the students share their thoughts and ideas. I believe this is the first step to actually having the ability to actually have impact. You must have an understanding of where the students are coming from and what problems they are facing. What drives the student? What is their motivation? Only then, am I able to speak to the value the education they are pursuing will match their goals and vision.
This man had a great way of communicating with jokes and getting people to feel more relaxed when he was teaching or assetting. He would always make you feel good about working with him and our accomplishments. I always try to have fun in my class I think we can share information much more easily this way.
Thank you, Donald.
What made this man so special? How do you apply what you learned from him as you interact with students?
The first Army Warrant Officer I had as a boss influenced me so much I relisted in the army and became a Warrant myself. He was able to teach so much and how to work together, his teaching has helped me my entire life.
Thanks, Stephen.
What are some specific things that you do to inspire a desire to grow in your students?
I had a supervisor about 15 years ago that took the time during a performance review to coach me as to how I could improve and grow as a person. He stopped when he recognized resistance expressed by my countenance. He asked me, if I just wanted a review or had a desire to grow. I chose growth and encouraged him to share his feedback and recommendations. It changed me significantly and I consider it a major turning point in my career.
Most of us have had mentors that significantly influenced our thoughts, actions and directions. Can you explain how one or two mentors have truly impacted your life? What effect has that had on your role as a career educator?
i had a boss when i was younger that taught me a very important skill, when he was frustrated or stumped he would walk around the building or get a soda. this would clear his mind and when he returned to the task the problem would be right in front of him and he would be able to complete the task. this taught me how to stay calm and focused. this is a extremly improtant skill when working with young people. when an instructor gets frustrated it affects the learning process
Thanks, Scott. It is not often that "spouse" is referenced as a mentor. I think this is great.
Thanks, Steve. What are a few of the "desirable traits" you reference?
Edward,
Itis intersting how often people talk about their grandparents as mentors. Both of my grandfathers passed away before I was one year old. I was blessed with a terrific father who plaed the mentor role for me.
The mentor in my life is my wife.She constantly tells me I can do anything I put my mind to. I went from turning wrenches to teaching students how to do it. I wanted to try being an instructor for many years but was afraid to take that giant step. Thanks to her I have been instructing for four years now and loving it.
When I was learning the "craft of training" I had a mentor that brought me along at the right pace. He first modeled the desirable traits during the class and then got my feedback on his session. We discussed what I saw and talked about how I would present the same material. He allowed me to be myself and not a clone of himself. We all have different personalities which means our teaching styles will also be different but equally effective.
My grandfather was my most influential mentor. He had a positive outlook on life even though he passed away years ago I still remember the values he taught me.
Thanks, Laurie! Mrs. Frank sounds great!
I was (and still am!) very tall. I had a high school history teacher - Mrs. Franck - who was also very tall. She was bubbly, interesting, caring, and empathetic. Mrs Franck turned each and every class into an adventure by enthralling us with stories coinciding with the subject matter. Mrs. Franck not only made me gain much self-esteem and pride in my height, but she made me want to do the best job that I could possibly do in her classroom. As an educator, I often compare my students to flowers; they bloom and flourish with proper sunlight, water, and attention (guidance, encouragement, praise, and self-pride). Thank you, Mrs. Franck!
I have had many good mentors that have showed me how to have good work ethic and work toward a higher goal. this what I try to pass on.
