Kendrick,
What are some specific ways you position yourself for mentorship for your students based on what you learned from your mentors?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Debbie Kay,
She sound amazing. You are fortunate to have had her in your life.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I consider one of my boss's a Mentor. She never gave up on me as I was going through some personal issues. She showed such compassion, motivation and encourgment but still made it a point that I needed to complete my work.
When I was in the Navy, I had a mentor/friend that really helped me understand how to be professional and strive for excellence. He always encouraged me to take the extra step and go above and beyond what was expected. I also have a mentor in the world of the arts who has helped me develop a critical lens for looking at life and the arts. He has also challenged me to be more of a self-starter.
My mentor was a woman in public office advocating for student education & educators(at the state level).
Through her, I saw how a woman was able to bring about her dreams and cause positive changes for students and educators.
Because of her impact, she was invited to the White House 3 (under 3 different administrations). Some changes made a large impact state-wide and others were merely person-to-person.
I witnessesd a person dedicated to her dreams & goals as she made an impact to help others. And, I found out making a positive impact may just come one person at a time.
My professors were incredible mentors as a team. All but one of them in graduate school were polished, organized, prepared, clear, and interesting. Their modeling and mentoring reassured me that my time and effort was well spent and that if I did my part, they would do theirs to ensure that I would be successful on national board exams and in clinics. I felt we were a team and that my instructors worked every bit as hard as I did. This is the experience I want to provide to my students as well.
Teresa,
Thanks for this post. This may be the first time someone listed a high school friend as a mentor. Are you two still close?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was not a teacher at first. It was m best friend. She prepared me for all the obstacles I was going to face going to high school to get prepared for college. She was always one step ahead of me in classes so I always knew how to prepare for what I needed to get done. This was my starting point and once I got common ground with how to keep myself in place with being successful.
Jason,
Appropriate humor is a powerful teaching tool. Teachers need to avoid and prevent humo that makes fun of individuals, especially students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor continuously inspire me and I am happy that I have a great place/envirnment to work.
In the same fashion as my teacher, I repeat key things in two different ways. The first is serious, the second is said in a comical way. The power of humor goes a very long way and in learning it is no different.
Jason,
Thank you for sharing this post. What are one or two specific things you do for your students that he did for you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was my own medical assistant instructor, although he did not know it. Because of his influence and power to shape my mind, I have modeled myself and my teaching to his. Many years after being out of school I still hear his voice teaching in my mind. I aspire to have my own students hearing me lead them forward years down the road.
Thank you for sharing this, Tania. What are some of your mother's traits that you try to emulate for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Anthony,
Truely believing, not just saying we believe in our student's is a key to their success. Students will pick up clues from how teachers act that establish clearly what teachers think.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My parents are the first to come to mind. By continuing to show me how to act as an adult, to be successful in life and career by leading by example.
Another example was my 8th grade history teacher. If I could model myself after another teacher it would be him. He truly beleived in me and pushed me to acheive my best, not just get by.
William,
Passion is a real key to inspiring students. I was a HS history teacher. I hope my passion for the subject and passion for my students had a similar impact to what you describe here.
Jeffrey Schillinger
One that stands out is my history teacher in college, of all places. I had always done poorly in history, despite being an A student in other subjects; but my poor past performances could also be traced to teachers who did not provide the motivation i apparently needed.
This college history professor has such a passion for his subject matter that one couldn't help but be motivated to learn his subject material.
That stays with me today to remind me to demonstrate an outward passion for the subjects i teach, because i know the natural motivation it will impart on the students.
Christi,
My dad was my mentor as well.
Jeffrey Schillinger
