Mentor Spotlight:
Amber Mitchell &
Carmeshia Wilder

Amber Mitchell (5th Grade Math) & Carmeshia Wilder (4th Grade RLA)
West Main Elementary
Lancaster ISD

What is something you enjoy about being a TxCEE Mentor?

“So far I’ve really enjoyed getting to collaborate with other mentor teachers whether in my school district or other surrounding areas. Just having the opportunity to share ideas with one another and receive feedback on my own current strategies has been extremely helpful.” -Amber Mitchell

“I really enjoy helping others unlock their potential and guiding them through challenges. It’s rewarding to see my novice teacher grow and develop and to know that I have played a role in her journey.” -Carmeshia Wilder

What is a strategy you’ve used to support your novice teacher
that you feel has been effective?

“I give her the space and opportunity to be her own critic and to address any area of need or concern that she would like to develop for growth. This has proven to be effective because she’s been able to grow in areas that she feels she needs to work on as opposed to me suggesting things that she could do better. It’s also helped with her confidence in the classroom which then leads to her feeling more comfortable and being self-aware of classroom related issues or concerns for improvement with student success.” -Amber Mitchell

“One effective strategy I’ve used to support a teacher is setting up regular, reflective check-ins. This approach provides space for my novice teacher to discuss their challenges, success, and goals in a low- pressure setting. I ask guiding questions to help her reflect, identify areas of improvement and brainstorm solutions. The main thing is to actively listen and offer encouragement and provide actionable feedback based on her needs.” -Carmeshia Wilder

Describe how mentoring and coaching are impacting your novice teacher and/or their students?

“It’s allowing the students to grow one six weeks at a time. Watching her implement even just the basics of strategies into her classroom, and recognizing the positive impact it’s been on her classroom and students has truly been a pleasure.” -Amber Mitchell

“Mentoring and coaching have a profound impact on both students and teachers by fostering a culture of continuous growth, collaboration, and support. Ultimately, mentoring and coaching creates a ripple effect where teachers grow professionally, leading to better educational experiences for students creating and effective school community overall.” -Carmeshia Wilder

How has being a TxCEE Mentor impacted you?

“It’s allowed me to appreciate the fundamentals and basics such as establishing routines and procedures in the classroom. These are the things that I’ve spent the most time on with my novice teacher. Most of it has been things that I would’ve easily overlooked if I had not been a mentor position, so I’m thankful of being reminded to focus on the basics sometimes.” -Amber Mitchell

“Being a mentor has had a significant impact on me by deepening my understanding of what it means to be a leader. It has helped me to appreciate the diverse teaching styles and perspectives. I have learned how to communicate more effectively and also manage my time management skill. Mentoring has overall strengthened my purpose and reminded me of the powerful impact we can have on one another as we grow.” -Carmeshia Wilder

What else would you like to share?

“Overall, this has been a really great experience for me and I’m looking forward to finishing out the school year strong along side my novice teacher. Thank you!” -Amber Mitchell

“At first I didn’t know what to think when I was asked to be a Mentor teacher. I knew it was a great thing that my principal saw fit in me to help someone grow in education. This process has been great and I [am] proud of what my Novice teacher and I have accomplished so far.” -Carmeshia Wilder