I am fortunate and have had several mentors throughout my life. There are three mentors who stand out. Mr. Penburthy my favorite high school teacher who inspired me to stay in school when I felt like dropping out. He taught social science classes like economic, sociology and psychology. He made the subjects interesting and thought provoking and encouraged the students to think critically. Dr. Johnson, one of my favorite college professors, who taught social foundations of education and encouraged me to pursue my interests in writing and researching. Anne, a library director, I worked for who is a very competent, organized and professional leader. She inspired my ideas about how libraries should be organized and managed.
My mentor is Sue Shorey. She was the former school director. I was a student here 13 years ago, so she was also my instructor. Her professionalism and her ability to communicate effectively was very impressionable. She was also very caring. As a student she made me feel I could do anything. As her employer (4 years later, she made me feel capable of teaching. She was very insightful and helpful when I started teaching. To this do, I model myself teaching methods and behaviors after hers
My ex-father-in-law is one of people who I can call a true mentor for me. The most memorable advice he gave me was to "focus on my profession." These are the words that keep me drive in my career and also help me to teach my students the same ambition and drive that his words put in me.
Even now, sixteen years later his word ring in my ears and keep me focused and committed to helping lead my students to a career in health care.
My Mother was my mentor. Because she was very smart but due to tradition of culture (girls are not allowed to go to school out of town. they have to finish education up to their reach), she was not able to go in high school. She help me to understand how important to be educated.She also implanted a seed in me thinking that education is a wealth, which you die with it. I am so thankful for my mother to give me that wisdom at early age. I will never forget that.
I had a mentor growing up that taught me about the value of being honest and hardworking. He showed me that as long as you can be seen as honest, then you will be trusted and respected. That helps me as an educator because my students know that I will always give them an honest and direct answer to a question and it creates a trust with them that allows me to connect with them.
When I gor my first teaching job, I had a chance to work a Director of Education. He was very knowledgeable in the field. He shared many things that helped me become a better instructor. I was always in his office. When i had a chance, I was always asking him especially if I was in a situation that had something to do with a student. He was an excellent educator..
One of my high school mentors said a quote to me, "knowledge is power, and what you don't learn today will cost you tomorrow". This quote made me think that each learning opportunity should be taken, and always make the best of what you learn because you never know when that information you didn't want to learn will be needed.
I have three parallel careers in teaching middle school, as a health care professional and a career educator. My mentor is my former instructor and he has exemplified the value of training the next generation of health care providers with the required balance of skills and heart. He is instrumental in creating a vision for what our roles should be as counslors, teachers and sometimes a listening board.
When I was an engineer for a public utility, I had the great fortune to have excellent mentor. He was my supervisor at the section level and the department level. He was always interested in advancing the careers of his subordinates. He would provide counsel when needed. Honesty was always his policy.
As a career educator I have used him as an example to my students. His influence has encouraged me to be transparent to my students, so that they can understand where I am coming from, understand that my decisions and instructions are not infallible, and understand that we can build a trust between us.
I teach a curriculum of office management which includes instruction computer software programs. Because of my mentor's interest in advancing my career, I try to convey to my students that I am interested in having them advance in their coursework to the highest level that they can attain.
I had a high school teacher who would (I feel like)give a lot of attention to me that I felt singled out. Now I know why
When I was growing up, I hardly can say a word in our dining table because we live with our grandparents, and everytime I open my mouth to join in the conversation, grandma would look at me like I would say something bad. My high school teacher change all that. She would prod us to ask questions. She would treat everybody with respect and would say there are no bad questions.
I have been fortunate to have many wonderful mentors throughout my life. My most recent mentors are my mother and my boss. Both of them have challenged me and supported me when I did not think I would succeed.
As an educator I find that a lot of the time I will mirror techniques they used on me to motivate students. The patience and adaptability that have helped me to succedd are skills they have been instrumental in teaching me.
Through their guidance and model I have become a better educator.
Sam is my mentor, even though he faces many difficulties in his life his patience and loyalty is admirable. That is why he has achieved many goals regardless of their difficulty.
His example has made me more patient. He showed me the importance of understanding every individual student, recognizing their stumbling blocks and leading them to success.
My career began in the military (US Navy/Hospital Corpsman). The discipline, the dedication, and the hands on work were the foundations of my success. It wasn't until I left the service that I found a love for Teaching. A Pathologist I worked for not only show me what to do, but how to do it, why we are doing it, and what effect our work had on the lives of everyone around us. WOW, did that open up my eyes!! The Highest on the totem pole, willing to teach the Lowest. That instilled my dedication to helping others in pursuit of knowledge.
The person that comes to mind is the VP/COO of a private vocational school here in Southern California who hired me back in 1997. She opened my eyes to the business aspect of vocational education and what accountability truly means.She is one class act, the ultimate professional and a leader amongst leaders. She studies the person, finds out their strengths and weaknesses, their moral and ethical standards, and uses them in training you to be the best person you can be. She sees the positive and potentials in people. When she gives you a task to do, she empowers you to utilize all available resources to come up with your action plan. She studies your plan and ask you questions about how you will handle certain scenarios that perhaps you were not considering may happen, which is her way of making sure you have all the tools you need and are prepared for the "what if's" that may come up along the way. Then she just waits and observes how you address the issues you experiences. She also makes herself available to you if you need some assistance, but she usually does it by asking you how would you address the issue or will ask you what if your plan doesn't work, would you have an alternative plan just in case the first plan didn't work. The best part of it is you didn't even know that all she is doing is listen to what your plans are and gives you the opportunity to make your own decisions, instead of telling you how she would do it or how she wants you to do it. I wish there are more people like her who would give you an opportunity to grow and learn at the same time without criticizing every decision you make. She understands that people will make some mistakes at times, but she gives you the chance to correct your mistakes and learn from them also.
Scott,
This is a very good question. I always share both, but emphasize the importance of being happy at what you do everyday you are in your career. No matter how much the financial benefits, if you don't like or enjoy your job, you will not be successful.
David,
Thanks for sharing. What made you not want to dissapoint this teacher?
My 12th grade Government teacher was firm in his expectations of completing assignments, being the best you could be, but he also had a sense of humor and compassion. He found ways to teach different types of learners while engaging the entire class and while setting a true good example by acting as he expected us to act.
Hi Scott,
I favor the excitement and enthusiasm avenue. Develop the interest in the field and let the student decide if the money is what they expected.
Too often we do not know the financial perspective of a student ... for some, $50,000 might represent a king's ransom, while others could not conceive of making so little, even in a field for which they have great interest.
Thanks for the comments. Excellent question.
The most important thing I took away from my mentors was their consistent support of students. I felt as if they truly cared.
