To me, mentoring means that you are guiding a novice teacher towards a common goal. When I mentor and coach a teacher, we have some valuable conversations. Two of my mentees have never taught before. When we have our Fireside Chats to set goals, we make sure to align that teacher’s goal with the campus goals…

Any evaluation system needs buy-in from everyone involved. Teachers will not thrive when they are being evaluated on metrics they do not understand or believe in. As a former teacher and collaborative learning leader (CLL), Jessica Zuniga took that lesson to heart when she moved into administration.

Mentoring, for me, looks like willful sacrifice and unconditional support. Like a therapist, you remain accessible in times of crisis while being a supportive presence over time. It is continuous work that builds over time into a bigger picture of stronger professionals doing great work with our students.

This is the first opportunity I have had to mentor. However, being on the other side of the coin as a mentee I have been fortunate to have mentors who have gone out of their ways to support me professionally and emotionally inspiring me. Their support helps me to believe in myself and continue giving my best.

For me, mentorship is the personal rapport that is established between two individuals who both can learn from each other. It is the guidance and support that is provided to the mentee, but also the reflection; establishing the why.