Donna,
Thanks for this post. What types of stories do you share with your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Good question. One was a teacher of mine who always started class with a friendly intro, a joke, or a light hearted approach. And his was a tough class, but everyone worked hard for him. I have tried to emulate this over my 26 year career, remembering how much I appreciated it. A second example was the Principal of a school where I was the Assistant Principal. He told me lots of stories, and, just like my mom, there was a message hidden in every one of them. I liked the stories, and those lessons are remembered because of his non-condescending approach.
I try to emulate this mentor and encourage my students positively. I try to find the good in each student. My goal is to be approachable and available without prying.
Hava,
Thank you for this post. What are some of the things you do that could lead to others looking at you as a mentor?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have thank G-d been fortunate to have many mentors who have impacted my life. I would like to focus now on the principal whom I worked for my first year as a teacher. She was always so warm and encouraging while she corrected my many "new- teacher" mistakes. She taught me to see the good in every student and encouraged me to write positive comments on all tests. (Even a student who failed still studied, learned some of the material.) My first year teaching also coincided with some other major changes in my personal life. She was very understanding and made herself available for advice in personal areas as well without prying. I thank her for giving me a positive start in my career as an educator.
Pearl,
Thank you for this post. My dad, who passed away 10 years ago tomorrow, was very similar to your dad. Your post made me smile as my dad is unquestionably my best mentor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Hands down my Dad has been my mentor and my hero!As a daughter, a student, a wife, and a Mother, my Dad has made me the person I am today. My Dad was not educated yet ran a very successful plumbing company which he owned & operated from his early 20's until June 2011 when he left this earth at the age of 89 years old. He was a hard worker, worked a very physical job, was honest, ethical, caring, and had the best sense of humor! He taught me to always be positive and to find the good in everything. He faced racism, he taught himself to speak English, and lived a very tough life growing up. Nothing ever got the best of my Dad. He taught me to always finish what I start, and to always make ethical and moral decisions. Many of my students often say I'm funny and caring and look forward to coming to my class. I'm glad I got my Dad's sense of humor as well as his caring nature - the caring intelligence.
Thank you for sharing this Robert. What are one or two specific things you do in the classroom based on what your mentors did for you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
One of the main reasons I was drawn to the education field was the profound effect that a number of educators had on my own life. From my fourth grade teacher who made me believe in my own potential; to my ninth grade social studies teacher who cared about my success not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom; to my college professor created relevancy in every lesson he taught.
I take a little bit of those things that made these people so special to me, and I try to apply those things in my own relationships with my students.
Christal,
Thank you for this post. How do you position yourself to be a mentor at your campus?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I would like to talk about two examples my son had while attending school. He is a very good writer. I high school he wrote a paper and the teacher actually told him he needed to "dumb it down" because the other students did not write near as well. You can imagine how that made him feel. He entered college as a marketing major. He again had a writing class his freshman year of college. This time the teacher told him he was such an excellent writer that he should considering changing his major to something that involved more writing. He did switch has major to journalism. He then went on to write for the school paper and adventially be editor and chief of the school paper. Mentors and teachers make a hugh difference in peoples lives.
Stephanie,
How did the fact that she had "no drama" work in your favor?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Carroll,
How did Jim demonstrate that he believed in you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have only had one true mentor in my life. She was my instructor in college. She was someone that had no drama in life and always had great advice to give. She gave me motiviation and made me feel smart at times I did not. Now I am in education and and look back at the times she impacted my life and I feel I am a better Educator because she was in my life.
Jim White , my electrical instructyor in college believed in me even when I had doubts
Fernando,
Thanks for sharing. My father was my primary mentor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I would have to say my parents truly impacted my life. They taught me right from wrong, treat people the way you would like to be treated, learn from your mistakes and have patience. Not everyone looks at things the same way and we could all learn from one another.
This last statement is one I mention every day in my class. It has taught me to open my eyes as a career educator because everyone has something to add based upon their life experiences. I think this is so important to incorporate when teaching adults. It encourages students to talk and ask questions. They shouldn't be afraid or imtimidated by others. If you make a mistake, how did you correct it, what did you learn from it, and how would you do things differently. This is an important concept for students to understand so they can focus on learning instead of worrying about being wrong.
There has been two primary mentors in my life. the first is my father. He came to the US with only $20 and was able to build a business and bring his kids to the US. He taught to work hard and let any one keep me form achieving my goals. My former boss was a good friend and a great mentors. She gave great guidance and advice that has help in my career.
Stelian,
Thanks for this post. What was the best lesson you learned from your parents?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My biggest mentors are my parents, however I did run into a guy that thought me that there is no such thing as, NO!! The idea stands true when you are in the selling industry. In the educational industry, I use the same energy to get the students and myself through more difficult skills. No, just means more practice
