Mentor Minute
February 2024
Dear Lead Mentors and Mentors:
February is here, kicking off the spring semester that is a mash-up of more learning, reviewing, and even planning for some celebration. A new marking period is an excellent time for a reset, and this is a great time to try some new strategies or make adjustments to those things that were bumpy last semester. We know that a growth mindset is an important skill of both self-awareness and in fostering hope in our students as they set goals and navigate various pathways to achieving their goals. We can model that growth mindset for students when we engage in reflection on lessons, activities, or even conversations that did not go the way we planned. Through reflection, we ask ourselves questions like, "What went well, what did I learn and what might I do differently moving forward?" By the second week of February, I will share the mentee feedback collected from the mid-year Google form with lead mentors and the administrator overseeing mentoring. Engaging in reflection with mentors on this feedback can foster that growth mindset, renew collective energy around the work, and generate new ideas for providing timely support for your new folks as you head into Spring.
New Educator Support Meetings
Indian Lakes Elementary recently held its Quarter 2 New Educator Support Meeting. Lead Mentor Melissa Mintor asked her new colleagues to submit questions and developed the session around responding to their anonymous submissions. Topics ranged from tips for better transitions, arrival and dismissal routines, SRT, TalentEd, and more. Ms. Mintor took time to show her new educators how to find resources by using the ILES Hub. Those present shared their ideas and added to the dialogue. These meetings help create community and build support among Indian Lake's newest educators, one who started just last week! Shout out to Mr. Warren and Ms. Shuman for popping in to take any questions and offer a listening ear.
Celebration of Mentoring: Connection and Collaboration of Lead Mentors
On Monday, January 29, Lead Mentors were invited to come together for a time to celebrate the work of mentoring. In elementary, middle, and high school groups, Lead Mentors began the conversation with a review of the trends uncovered in the new educator mid-year survey. Then, in mixed-level groups, Lead Mentors rotated through conver-stations to discuss topics and problem-solve the very concerns new educators expressed in their responses. Topics of the conver-stations included supporting students with disabilities, technology, classroom management, student engagement, time management, and planning.
This is the first time we have held such an event, designed for collaboration and celebration among Lead Mentors. The 21 attendees expressed how much they would like to do this again so be on the lookout for future opportunities to come together.
A big THANK YOU to Green Run High School for allowing us to use their library for such an event.
Elementary Survive and Thrive at Pembroke ES
New elementary teachers working in small groups to consider the benefits, barriers, and best practices in the phases of the lesson design: Anticipatory Set (Hook), Whole Group Instruction, Guided Practice, Independent Practice, and Closure.
Middle School Survive and Thrive at Landstown MS
After reflecting on their strengths and areas of growth within the Teacher Evaluation Rubric, Standard 3, Instructional Delivery, new educators took some time to debrief with peers.
High School Survive and Thrive at Landstown HS
Responding to the statement "The face you make when you successfully finish the first semester of teaching," each person shared the meme they selected with their table, taking a moment to laugh and introduce themselves while connecting in this fun, low-stakes activity.
