The Mentor Minute is designed as a support for lead mentors and mentors in VBCPS. Each month, the newsletter will focus on a key area of support for new teachers with resources and strategies aligned to the focus area. We will also use this space to spotlight the amazing work of mentors across the division.

In this edition:

• Focus: Model and Build Compassion
• Supporting New Teachers: Ideas for Reflection Conversations
• What's Happening this Month: Important Dates
• Monthly Mentor Spotlight: Jessica Epps, LES; Stacy Midgette, LMS; Sonia Pritchett, LMS

As we return from the holiday break, many new teachers are navigating the challenging Disillusionment phase of their teaching journey. They may be doubting their abilities, feeling overwhelmed, and struggling to absorb the wealth of guidance shared with them so far. This is where your role as mentors and lead mentors becomes especially vital. By modeling compassion through patience and understanding, and focusing on building confidence step by step, we can help them find their footing and grow. As John Wooden, basketball coach for the UCLA Bruins, wisely said, “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” Let’s embrace this opportunity to show them that growth is a process, not a race.

New teachers often seek clarity and direction as they navigate their professional growth, especially during challenging phases like the Disillusionment period. Encouraging them to ask thoughtful questions is a powerful way to model reflective practice and help them build confidence in their abilities. Below are examples of the kinds of questions mentees might ask, which can open the door for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and tailored support. By engaging with these inquiries, mentors can guide new teachers in strengthening their connections, honing their practice, and finding their unique teaching voice. Questions your mentee may ask might be:

1. How do I connect with other new teacher to share ideas and learn from them?
2. What opportunities are available in our division for professional learning?
3. What should I focus on to improve my craft for the rest of the year based on what you've seen?
4. Is there an easy way to connect with parents and the community to assist me with teaching?
5. Do you have a suggestion to help me reflect more systematically as not to lose my good ideas?

In turn, questions you may want to ask your new teacher could be:

• Do you keep a journal to reflect on your practice? Or do you have another way to capture your reflections?
• What changes have you already made in what you are doing and why?
• What can I do to assist you right now to reduce your anxiety?

Being nearly the mid-year point, this is a great time to not only look back at the first half of the school year but to also move forward. Here's a slide in our shared drive with a great activity for January adapted from Mentoring in Action (p. 144-145).

Our Resources for Lead Mentors or Mentors drive is available for you to explore. Here's a link to the Table of Contents , and know that it will continue to grow. If you have something you are willing to share that you know is helpful for those you support, I invite you to contribute to this community.

(Questions above adapted from: Mentoring in Action: Guiding, Sharing, and Reflecting with Novice Teachers, pg.139. This book is available, along with its companion book, The First Years Matter: Becoming an Effective Teacher, in the VRL.)

Be sure to add your support meetings to Frontline as Site-Based Activities. Facilitators and attendees can earn points for these needed and required sessions that support the professional growth of our new educators. Remember a minimum of quarterly meetings is required, and meeting more frequently offers more timely and proactive support.

If you have new mentoring relationships start, a blank roster is linked below for your convenience.

💡This month's spotlight highlights mentors who are guiding new educators through the challenges of the Disillusionment phase. These mentors go above and beyond, fostering environments where new teachers feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to overcome obstacles. Their dedicated support and consistent compassion are essential in helping educators navigate the stress and uncertainty often faced in the early stages of their careers. The continued modeling of compassion lifts up our newest educators.

• Ms. Jessica Epps: her accessibility and continued support beyond the formal mentoring period help new teachers feel they have a dependable resource, reducing stress and building confidence in their roles.

• Ms. Stacy Midgette: her consistent encouragement and personalized guidance foster confidence and resilience, empowering new teachers to navigate the challenges of the Disillusionment phase.

• Ms. Sonia Pritchett: her compassionate, personalized mentorship helps new teachers reduce stress and build confidence, providing stability and encouragement when they need it most.

To celebrate the great work lead mentors and mentors are doing to support our new teachers, here's an opportunity to nominate someone for recognition. Using this Google form, tell us about a mentor in your building who has a positive impact.

Reach out and let me know. I can model an activity for you, be a discussion partner on how an activity or strategy might work or engage with you in a solution-finding conversation around a dilemma you have.

Contact Karol Bledsoe, Professional Learning Specialist, karol.bledsoe@vbschools.com.