Great post, Shauna!
If you can do for your students what your English Prof did for you, you will really make a difference for your student. Thanks for sharing this.
I have had the great opportunity to have multiple mentors in my life, starting with my Mom and Dad, teachers, colleagues and friends. I believe that they each played an important role in my personal and professional development. I would like to elaborate on one of my College Professors as this will pertain directly to the course material. He was my English Composition and Interpretation Instructor and I was in my second semester of college. I was not doing well as I did not feel I had much direction or focus. I often skipped class, did not complete my homework on time and did not have a passion for learning. However, I could tell right away that this particular professor was not going to let me off the hook in his class. He was very friendly and approachable, but also very tough. He immediately took an interest in me as a writer and helped me to develop my skills over the course of the semester often going out of his way to set up special meetings or after class tutoring sessions. I began to feel proud of myself, but still did not enjoy school as a whole. I told him during one of our meetings that I was considering taking a "semester or two off." This seemed to catch him by surprise and he told me that I would regret this decision for the rest of my life. He talked to me about my goals and dreams and they all seemed to include writing, reading, and teaching. He helped me to find my path and not only inspired me to stay in school (for many more years) to achieve my Master's degree, but also taught me what kind of Instructor I wanted to be. I knew when I started teaching my own class that I needed to search out those "lost souls" who too may need some extra time, and encouragement to see their dreams become a reality. I will be forever grateful to this remarkable teacher for leading the way and I hope to inspire others that way that he inspired me all those years ago.
Thank you for this post, Leslie.
I smile every time someone writes that a parent was one of their primary mentors becasue my dad was absolutely the best mentor in my life.
What were some of the tings your dad taught you that were so valuable?
We all had mentors at one point in our lives. I recall my executive management instructor, who always focused on the "human asset" as the asset to nourish and polish rather than tangible assets. His belief was that the human asset is the only asset that appreciates in time, when all other tangible assets depreciate with time.
I tend to relate that to my students on daily basis, that as they are high value assets in my class.
One of the best mentors I have had in my life is my dad. He taught me what I needed to know to succeed in life and how to go about it. I have had various other mentors during the time of my career. Most of my mentors have been great! They guided me in various job specific areas.
Thanks, Jonathon.
There is some science that indicates that learning is imprinted more strongly when it is linked to an emotion. Laughter is one of the positive emotions that can put students in a better position to learn.
Keep using appropriate humor in your classes. It makes a difference.
I had a teacher in college that was not afraid to teach using termonology and refrecnces to activities he knew we were interested in as students. It really helped me to understand the material and to want to pay attention in class and not want to miss any time. He also had a positive attitude, you could tell he liked to teach, and it really made a difference. I also had another teacher that was not afraid to tell jokes or make us laugh, it really made learning easier, and learn difficult material that normally would have been very hard to pay attention to. Both of those teachers have influenced the way I teach today.
My friend/coworker/mentor would give me sound advice on technical aspects of our work however his general knowledge and judgement is what I prized most. "Don't do anything you would be embarassed to tell your Mom about" stands out. We allow ourselves to not do the dishes, eat what we like or even more relevant life choices. If our Mom was still watching us, would she allow us to do it? Would we be proud to tell our Mom what we did? It is this simple self assesment that has made me give that little extra when I am tired or had a rough day.
Thank you for this post, Theresa.
It is great that you had such good mentors. My father was my primary mentor and I believe that most, if not all, of my successes in life were because of him.
I was lucky enought to find a couple of mentors when I first started teaching in the public schools. I try to position myself as a mentor for others.
It is great thet youlove teaching at Harrison. I have heard good things about them. :)
I have had many mentors as a child. My most influential mentors were my mother and my grandmother. They were my Girl Scout leaders from the first grade all the way to my senior year. From them, I learned to be a positive influence in the lives of young women. They also taught me to be willing to try new experiences in life. I continue to pass this ideas on to the girls in my Girl Scout troop.
In teaching, I wish I would have had a good mentor when I started teaching in the public schools. It was so awful that I almost gave up. My Aunt saved my dream of teaching. She was a current instructor at Indiana Business College. She talked me into giving teaching adults a try. With her positive suggestions and help, I love teaching at Harrison College today. This is my tenth year, and I continually strive to make everyday a wonderful learning experience for my students.
Hi,I was shy and nervous in elementary school when ever I was asked to read out loud. I remembered her always speaking to me over and over about being vocal and staying focus. In my many years of communications, I have takened her words in stride. I am very proud of what I have accomplished through these many years of communicating to small to large groups of people without a sweat!Her workds were very empowering.
Josephine,
What are some specifics things that Mrs. Williams did that impacted you so?
I was a non-traditional student and had a lot of encouragement from an instructor that helped me handle the stress of school and my family. Having an instructor that was friendly and kind was good, as well as being sure my grades were good.
A person I once new who mentored me when I was very very young. her name was Ms. Williams. She has stayed in my future plans til today. Never give up on your dreams and never wait in line behind someone always be in the front. Teamleader
Thanks, Sandra. Students really benefit from their time with faculty members who hold them in high esteem and hold them accountable.
My students all know how important they are to me. I listen when they have concerns, I share some of my life's experiences to show them that I've been there and understand. I always have time to speak or listen to them. The best part is that they know they can not only trust me but that I am on their side. However, they also know that if they mess up, they will have to deal with the consequences. I hold them accountable for their actions.
Thanks, Sandra.
What are some specific things you do to make your students "feel important?"
While in high school I was going through some issues that were affecting my grades. There was a counselor that always made me feel important, always spoke with me and showed interest in the things I was going through. I was so grateful to him and don't know what I would have done without his guidance.
My primary mentoring goal is to present myself in an accurate manner that is reflective of my value and belief system. If others, particularly students, see this they can choose to model themselves accordingly. It is a variation of ancient teachings that cross ethnic, cultural,etc. lines....Tell the truth...do unto others....actions speak louder than words. It seems basic, positive modelling that stems from fundamental values presents the strongest model for others to follow.
Thanks, David.
What are one or two things you do to position yourself as a possible mentor?
