Mentoring and Coaching
In my classroom teaching experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both formal and informal mentors. Their insights from time in the district have been invaluable as I’ve transitioned to a new campus or a new grade level. It’s always challenging to carve out time for quality conversations with mentors, as there’s often another priority that teachers need to manage in the moment. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor several new teachers on campus, interns, and student teachers over time. These are rewarding relationships for both the mentor and the mentee, as both can engage in more consistent reflection, data-informed instruction, and work together to solve problems of practice. I’m currently in an instructional coaching role and I agree with Aguilar (2013) when she says that consistency is the key to effective coaching that elevates the teacher’s practice. This can be challenging with all of the needs that teachers balance and sometimes a tricky relationship when you...