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: Bright Spots
• Supporting New Teachers: Ideas for Reflection Conversations
• What's Happening this Month: Important Dates
• Monthly Mentor Spotlight: Devon Johnson, SES; Danielle Fagan, PAMS; Kelly Gregory, BES

Supporting new educators during the Disillusionment stage involves highlighting "Bright Spots"—moments where they have successfully overcome challenges or solved problems. Celebrating these achievements not only builds resilience but also fosters the confidence needed to take risks in their teaching. By recognizing their successes and areas of growth, we reinforce their ability to thrive despite obstacles. This encouragement creates a foundation for trying new instructional strategies and exploring innovative ways to engage students, helping them see challenges as opportunities for progress. By focusing on their positive momentum, we empower them to continue growing and developing as dynamic, impactful educators.

Reflection plays a crucial role in mentoring, offering new educators the chance to pause, acknowledge their accomplishments, and identify what’s working in their practice. By intentionally reflecting on bright spots, they not only reduce stress but also gain clarity and perspective, which can help them approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Through regular reflection, they build a habit of celebrating growth, fostering resilience, and sustaining their confidence to innovate and engage students effectively. Here's a slide with the questions from above available in the shared drive Support Meetings folder.

This month ask your mentee to jot down a list of questions they may have to kick off your mentoring time together, and take time to predict what some of those questions might be. They may be curious about:

• selecting a variety of instructional strategies that will work best with their students
• finding ways to incorporate problem-solving and critical thinking skills into their lessons

• encouraging students to think and work independently and collaboratively

Likewise, use questions to initiate reflection in their practice by asking:

• What's working for you right now in your classroom?
• When are your students most interested in learning?
• What do you most enjoy about teaching, and why do you think that is so?
• What can I do to assist you right now that would reduce your stress?

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.117. 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 is essential in helping educators navigate the stress and uncertainty often faced in the early stages of their careers.

• Mr. Devon Johnson: his proactive mentorship, including co-teaching and actionable feedback, coupled with his positivity, uplifts teachers facing difficulties, helping them regain confidence and focus.

• Ms. Danielle Fagan: her dedication to collaboration, peer observations, and consistent guidance offers a structured way for new teachers to gain confidence and feel supported in their professional growth.

• Ms. Kelly Gregory: her intentional collaboration and tailored support through “New Teacher Hub” meetings address practical challenges and provide tools for managing expectations, helping teachers navigate stress during Disillusionment.

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.