Who are your mentors?
Who has had the most influence in guiding and supporting your educational journey?
I've been reflecting on this lately, and the importance mentors have on who you become as an educator.
I feel very fortunate for those who I have had the pleasure to know and learn from over the years; mentors who supported and guided me during my first years of teaching and even today.
When I began my first year of teaching, I was fortunate enough to be placed on a 1st grade team with five other amazing teachers who were all at various stages in their careers. They each took me under their wing, supporting, engaging and inspiring me through my first and ever-important year of teaching. To this day I remain grateful to Jean, Brenda, Lorraine and Jan. I still have regular contact with Jean and Brenda, even though they are now enjoying the life of retirement. Their passion for children and learning has never waned.
During my initial years as a primary teacher, I also had the privilege of working under an inspiring literacy leader in my language arts supervisor, Dr. Joanne Monroe. When I expressed an interest in getting my M.Ed., she encouraged me to pursue my studies in reading and become a reading specialist. After earning my M.Ed. in Developmental Reading, she introduced me to the local chapter of the International Literacy Association, and before I knew it I was president of our local chapter. Those few steps have truly impacted the road I have taken.
I have had many mentors and influences over my 25 years in education, but I would have to say that it was those early in my career who truly helped to guide my path.
Paying it forward...
Although I continue to learn and grow as an educator, I will never "know it all". I feel it is part of my currently responsibility to make sure I am serving as a mentor to others. It is my goal to encourage and support young or new educators as they begin their own path towards affecting the lives of our children.
Dr. Crystal Edwards hired me into my role as an administrator, and she once shared that one of our goals as leaders in education is to be continually growing the "next me". I would take that one step further and say not just the next me, but a better me; someone to grow beyond what I will accomplish during my time. For it is through this, that education and educators can continue to challenge the status quo and impact the lives of generations.
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