#EduColor was created both as a resource for intersectional discussions of race and education and as a safe space. Therefore, even though hashtags are open to the public, those of us who started it reserve the right to push back and challenge tweets we see as leading the discussion astray (see “derailing” for more details). This includes using #educolor on bios, blog titles, and paraphernalia.
A0 Hello. Marian from Atlanta, elem 4th/5th here. Looking forward to discussing mentorship since so many of us leave teaching never making it to veteran status. #educolor
A0: I'm Andrea Bazemore. I'm an educator committed to social justice and educating other teachers, administrators, and school district members on exactly how to teach social justice to students by activities, introducing new culturally relevant books, and activities. #EduColor ✊🏽
hi #educolor! had a hectic afternoon and left a bit later than I expected, but I clocked out of work in time for the chat! I'm Dulce-Marie, I'm from the bronx, I'm hungry.
A0: hi #educolor! Rose, HS math T in VA. This is my first real time participating, thanks for the invite @DingleTeach! Looking forward to discussing and learning tonight.
A1: It sometimes looks like the formalized relationship where someone comes to a class on a regular basis and takes notes and advises.
But lately, I’ve been rethinking this dynamic because it’s rarely mutual. #EduColor
Heyyyy #EduColor! Mel here, first year ESL teacher in New Jersey working with 5th-8th graders + just leaving our family night at school! Really excited for this chat, as mentors have been fundamental in shaping me into who I am today and how I understand the world.
A0) My name is Zack. I teach middle-school special-ed in Denver, CO & I'm a doc-candidate/future teacher-educator. I'm here to learn more about how to incorporate mentorship into my pedagogy. #EduColor
A1: Rather than telling how to be successful in #Edu , it's showing someone how to be successful through (1)transparency, (2) motivation, and (3) guidance #EduColor
A1: Mentorship in education means fostering the next generation of educators. It means collaboration. It means finding your people. It means bettering yourself. It means helping others. It also means helping Ss in a similar way. It means being there for each other. #educolor
A0: Tasheria Small Bringing you warm greetings from a very cold night here in Huntsville AL! Hoping to connect and learn here at #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A1 mentorship is the continuum of educators supporting and growing each other. As we receive it, we are equipped to provide the same for others. #educolor
A1: Mentorship in education is: sharing, listening, and collaborating. If you're a mentor, you share freely, openly, and willingly. You don't hold back because of selfish or self-righteous reasons. You give knowledge, information, and resource to help/educate. #EduColor 🙏🏽
A1: for me this is a relationship between experienced and less experienced educators—needs to be built on open honest conversation and critical guidance. I need someone to be real with me and listen as well #educolor
#EduColor A1: Mentorship is a reciprocal learning relationship between people where we grow, and stretch each other's ideas, boundaries and hopes. It's great when you can skip the hierarchy image and just be with each other.
A2: When I hear “sponsor,” I’m mostly thinking a financial transition of sorts, or someone that co-signs whatever you’re doing.
A “mentor” feels more about the intangibles: the guidance and support for a “younger” teacher. #EduColor
A1: mentorship in education, to me, means a reciprocal relationship in which growth, change, + learning are the norm. sometimes this means the relationship changes + shifts as each person grows, personally + professionally. #EduColor
A1: Mentorship means making it better for the next generation. Hopefully fighting the fights and arguing the issues so they don’t have to. It means walking the walk, and being supportive of people when they want to fly. #Educolor
A2: Mentorship in education is: Listening. You are willing to listen to other people's stories with the intent to either allow others to vent or to give advice. You also listen and withhold judgement because every journey is different and valuable. 🗣👂🏽#EduColor
A1: For me, mentorship meant having some teacher "big homies" to help me navigate the intellectual, emotional, and physical toll of the profession. Mentorship is not really coaching per se, but rather the building up of one's human capacity to do this work well. #EduColor
A2 I've never heard the term sponsor in edu spaces to describe a relationship between two professionals. It reminds me of AA and sounds like someone providing a service. I'm curious about the distinction... #EduColor
A0: Hey #EduColor fam. I’m Juli-Anne. All things literacy, love and light. Mentorship to sponsorship leaning in to learn and fellowship, that’s why I’m here.
A1: It looks like "seeing" students who present themselves to me, who build rapport and want to go deeper. More simply and on a daily basis it usually looks like making space to laugh at one-liners in the right setting i.e. NOT in the midst of a lesson #EduColor
A2 Sponsor feels as if it were assigned and there little choice involved. A real mentor is committed as long as they are needed. POC need mentors and alsoneed to be mentors when we are ready. #educolor
A1: Mentorship is collaborating. Collaboration means working together for a better, greater cause. It requires you to put aside personal/professional differences and work for a common good. In our case, we are working together to inspire and motivate the future. #EduColor 🤩🤐✌🏽
#EduColor A2: When I think sponsorship I think someone who is paying it forward (time, money and/or talents). Usually one person has more experience than the other. For PoC, it is essential for us to *seek out* this kind of relationship bc we don't have the privilege of #s.
I love that phrase "skip the hierarchy image". There is no power struggle in a mentoring relationship. It's mutual. We benefit individually and collectively. #EduColor
Redo 💀. A0: Hellooooo I’m Elisa. I’m a secondary Eng-Ed Major from IL & I student teach next semester. It’s my first time doing one of these 🙃. #EduColor
A2 I've never heard the term sponsor in edu spaces to describe a relationship between two professionals. It reminds me of AA and sounds like someone providing a service. I'm curious about the distinction... #EduColor
A2: Sponsor seems handoff abd leas intimate to me? I don’t know. I’ve never heard it used in education... unless it is used regarding financial support. #Educolor
A2: I think the difference is one is used more to denote a financial contribution. Plus, sponsor seems more temporal than mentor. The distinction is helpful to know when considering longer lasting relationships. #EduColor
A2: A sponsor may have a direction that you must go with. A mentor works with you and guides you with the direction you want to go. One is directive, the other is a partnership. #ChooseWisely#EduColor
A2: Mentoring is intrusive by encouraging the mentee to do their self-work (internal examination) vs Sponsor who pushes the mentee to be seen or noticed (IMO) -- Sponsors [often] lack time to be intrusive like mentors #EduColor
I think there is probably more tension in the mentorship that is forced upon people for new teachers. New teachers definitely do need guidance but I wish there was a better way to set up those relationships early on! #educolor
Ideally, a coach is more mentor, but if we’re being honest, coaches are often the liaison between admin and teachers so coaches are often a sponsor, too. #EduColor
A0: stef, here in montgomery alabama with @Tolerance_org. looking for pedagogical nourishment and community with other educators doing the damn thing #EduColor
A3: For me? VERY LITTLE! I have served as a mentor in many capacities and most of the time it has just been sort of an, “Ok you’re a mentor!” I think we could do better. A lot better. #Educolor
I'm taking a Cognitive Coaching course and am learning that coaches use the knowledge and cognitive capacity the individual already has in order to support their thinking toward their desired goals. #EduColor
A2: Mentorship in education is interesting. To me, anymore right with more experience than me and that is willing can be a mentor. One of my biggest mentors is my best friend, who’s in her first year of teaching. But as a preserving teacher, she’s so valuable to me. #EduColor
A3: Very little. It's either you are volun"told" or you have the heart for it (but sometimes not always the time for it). It seems like very little resources are given, on a mentorship level that helps the mentor and mentee both develop they ways they want. #Educolor 😩
A3...three hours of training? 😳🤔 again I wish schools just did better team building with faculty so these relationships would occur more naturally. #educolor
A2: “Sponsor” implies a sense of distance, some transaction. Like “I co-sign, but I ain’t helping.”
“Mentorship” means you are helping, you’re more intimate, you’re in it together. #educolor
A3: In higher ed, you have digital chats, professional organizations, conferences to equip educators critical skills to mentor the current and future generations #EduColor
A3: Little to none in my area. Also, these days, too much of “mentorship” means taking elements from Teach Like A Champion and making that gospel. No, thanks. #EduColor
A1: mentorship in education like most things ‘should be’ about Relationships. Built and curated by folks. Organic. Unforced or coerced. Natural space where alignment is key toward the collective goals of each. #EduColor
A1. It means that you work as a team. You collaborate together and identify goals or a roadmap to use as a guide. You are honest in your conversations. The mentee can decide what they want to work on and the mentor can support and guide that process. #EduColor
Specificity meaning specifics and details about pedagogy... Sometimes we have to connect through authenticity first THEN proceed to the focus of instructional practice...This is a core part of mentorship and instructional coaching #EduColor@DisruptedTv
In reply to
@LybryaKebreab, @caitteach, @EduColorMVMT, @DisruptedTv
My first thought was also definitely AA. I then also thought of people who "sponsor" students or families in developing countries, which is a little different than the first definition. Wondering what the edu definition is. #educolor
I like skipping the hierarchy. In the times when I have been the mentor, I always felt I benefited more than the person I was learning alongside. #EduColor
A1: Mentorship in education is interesting. To me, anymore right with more experience than me and that is willing can be a mentor. One of my biggest mentors is my best friend, who’s in her first year of teaching. But as a preserving teacher, she’s so valuable to me. #EduColor
#EduColor A3: Ahhhmmm little to none in my exp. We had a team of coaches in one district and I got to meet with with like coaches in the other district. It's a rarity (sp?) tho. Our CMC-S (CA Math Council) created a coaches strand for this reason I think.
For TOC, sponsorship can be especially dangerous. Sponsors wouldn’t necessarily help TOC, amplify their voices, or even care. It’s like WP taking the work of BIPOC and claiming it as theirs. #educolor
A3: Where I’ve seen this work the best is where mentor Ts have fewer classes than other Ts to allow for training, on-site planning, peer observations, and the like. I still remember the mentor T assigned to me when in my first two years of teaching. #EduColor
I didn’t need a mentor to tell me how to figure out my gradebook (anyone in the hallway could do that) I needed an ear and someone willing to guide me through the intangibles. #educolor
In reply to
@thewrightleader, @LybryaKebreab, @EduColorMVMT, @DisruptedTv
A3 Honestly, effective training in mentorship is rarely offered formally. It exists within a network of those committed to what education *should* be, but rarely is. It is outside of the establishment. #educolor
A2: in my setting "sponsor" refers to the biological relative of an unaccompanied immigrant child who is applying for guardianship. these are the adults that keep a kid in the US. which might be fitting. #educolor
It was immediate thought... In my mind, sponsors have more power, whereas mentoring relationships have shared power. Or at least I hope they do. However, when I think of mandated BT/mentor relationships in schools, we know who has the power. #EduColor
A2: Sponsor seems handoff and less intimate to me? I don’t know. I’ve never heard it used in education... unless it is used regarding financial support. #Educolor
A3: I’ve more often been the mentee vs the mentor, but I think both - esp the mentor - need to do a self-analysis to know what they’re bringing to the relationship: identities, histories, lived experiences, etc that are racialized, gendered, classed, etc. #EduColor
At my school mentorship is mostly about new people having someone they can ask about things like IEPs, referrals, homecoming traditions, etc. Some people definitely form real bonds but not most. #EduColor
A3. In our district, it varies. There were some years that Ts were sent to training. Some years, the "trainer of trainers" model is used. Some of our veteran mentors help new mentors as well. #EduColor
A1: mentorship in education is about Journeying. The road ahead & those who walk it w/you. Mentorship in education can be as simple as who u check in with daily or as deep as a close personal/professional purpose, thought partner that spans decades. #educolor
are their mentorship classes or PDs somewhere? how do good mentors learn how to be mentors??? I guess I always imagined mentorship skills as intangible, but that doesn't seem quite right. #educolor
A1. As we teach children, we all learn. We share our story & it becomes history. But active listening means mentors learn #relevance and #perspective from children too. #Educolor
A3 Follow-up: what would be beneficial for a mentorship program would be time for mentors and mentees to develop authentic relationships with one another, goal setting opportunities, and exploration of resources within the community that would benefit everyone. #EduColor
I love that phrase "skip the hierarchy image". There is no power struggle in a mentoring relationship. It's mutual. We benefit individually and collectively. #EduColor
And the way we "mentor" beginning teachers in their first few years is atrocious. Mandated, often inundated with paperwork, no formal training or support on relationship building. My best mentors have come organically in shared spaces or bc of shared passions. #EduColor
I'm cool with the word sponsor. I associate it with unaccompanied minor work, where it feels like the federal government-- the structure that we work within-- has all the power. #educolor
A mentor is a wise 👩🏽🏫teacher/counselor.
In education this can 👀 like:
💡a seasoned veteran talking/walking a novice👩🏽🏫 through strategy/problem solving
💡growing together in #PLCs
💡peer observations👥 to provide effective feedback📝 to improve 👩🏽🏫practice
#EduColor#DionneInk
A4: The power of mentorships is critical in the retention of teachers, esp. TOC. Having someone who can serve as mirrors for teachers (in their best and less effective practices) can probably be helpful.
All of us need feedback. #EduColor
A1: i desire a broader experience of mentorship that allows for reciprocity and concurrent growth between participants. and isn’t based on years of experience and rooted in strengths and areas of growth
A2. I think a sponsor is someone that gives you information on general school/district related processes such as how to secure a sub or grading expectations. A mentor is someone that guides you through all areas of teaching, offers support and encourages reflection. #EduColor
#EduColor Hi! My name is Sara. I am an instructional coach for teachers in Chicago and a former middle-school/hs mathematics teacher. also, a doctoral student in the college of ed at UIC. Here tonight to participate in this convo as it is critical and necessary for the radical
And the fact that money is often involved? In NJ, the state policy mandates that I pay $550 to my mentor. I often think of all the ways that money could be spent in developing *real* relationships vs a transactional one. #Educolor
#EduColor A4: I was the ONLY black T in almost all of my assignments. Heavy burden w/o a mentor/sponsor/affinity group. So, I learned to say it anyway. Made a diff for some of the hidden ways dominant (ethnicity, SES, lang.) oppressive even w/o knowing sometimes. "I am that kid."
A4: Mixed mentoring (race, gender, sex, class, etc) can dismantle many oppressive narratives that are often passed on during the mentoring process. Self-acknowledgment of privilege prior to mentoring helps in many ways #EduColor
A4: A good mentoring relationship can be a good measure for what is normal or appropriate, especially for those at a higher likelihood of being taken advantage of. A good mentor can give TOC and new teachers the permission to have boundaries & say no! #EduColor
A3: very little in the Newark, NJ area where I am. Veteran Ts are asked 2b mentors to new teachers 4 a year (usually their first) and little after that. I’m a product of an intense, sound, sincere and loving mentor relationship. My mentor was my AP. #educolor
A4: The right mentor can play a huge part in actively challenging and dismantling oppression/inequality. Just encouragement and acknowledgment can be enough sometimes. #educolor
A3: I don’t know if there are any. The training for new Ts is usually terrible. Not to mention that they’re often given classes with some of the biggest behavior issues or academic challenges and little support. No wonder teachers leave in the first five years. #educolor
A4 A good mentor is able to tell the truth, cutting through the jargon. They can provide the model for not just survival, but rejection of harmful practices. #educolor
... because a veteran EOC-- a sponsor, a mentor, whatever we want to call them-- can keep a rookie in the classroom when they consider leaving. I wonder how weighed mentor EOC feel by retention. I imagine keeping young EOC in the field is a constant concern. #educolor
A5: It’s critical. I was fortunate to have the mentors I did. Similarly, and the other way, some TOC ended up leaving *because* they didn’t have solid mentorship. #EduColor
Ick. YOU pay?! Our mentors get paid by the district which still... bringing money into the dynamic always shifts the power balance. You're right, that's transactional, not transformative. #EduColor
Q1: #EduColor I'm not familiar with this word, but I am thinking of my work as an instructional coach for new teachers in their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years in the classroom. My understanding of my own work is one that is collaborative, that is not meant to dehumanize teacher or the
A3. I'm not sure what is offered by others, but in my planning, it's paramount to succesful engagement, positive atmosphere and confident leaders. #Educolor
A5: Whewwww, Mentorship is key! Speaking solely from the standpoint of teacher Ed programs - without my personal mentors (those farther in the program that looked like me and advocated for me), a student-teacher next semester I would NOT be. #Educolor
A3: imho, preparation to become or be a mentor should be grounded in theory and practice. Lots of field work and spaces of servant leadership within the mentor’s heart. Mentorship cannot be done without Love. #Educolor
A4-Mentorship can open doors and possibilities. Mentors have the ability, especially with new teachers, to disrupt potentially racist, bigotry, and sexist teaching at the start of someone's career. We all had a teacher/know a teacher that could've used that! #EduColor 🤷🏽♀️✊🏽😔
Here's to leadership that recognizes the difference between investments (dividends, like mentoring) and expenses (sunk costs, like packaged curriculum subscription instead of relationship-focused efforts.) #EduColor
Mentorship is important! Ya girl gets tired! 😓 I need help keeping my sanity. I work in a predominantlywhite school and some days are harder than others. #EduColor
A4: Mentors can listen to their mentees, distribute the power. Also, the fact that mentorship helps Ts be better in a system designed to keep them overworked, exhausted, and controlled is an act of disruption and dismantling. Mentorship is collective action. #educolor
Notice the the mentor taking time in person to engage in rich dialogue. Just being present, when feasible, is a key value-added piece. That's why I place such a high value in my leadership on being present onsite. #SomeWalkAndSomeJustTalk#EduColor@DisruptedTv@TABSE_Texas
In reply to
@DionneCspeaks, @sarahdateechur, @DisruptedTv, @TABSE_Texas
A3: I often 💭 reflect and ask myself the ❓, what type of mentor did I need (or could have benefited from as a novice teacher 👩🏽🏫)
My response to this ☝🏾❓ puts be in position to BE that mentor for others on their 👥 journey 👣. . . #EduColor#DionneInk✍🏽
Gotta duck out early—family duty calls. Looking forward to going through the rest of the chat. Thanks for your wisdom and opening up this conversation! #EduColor
A5: I survived my most difficult year teaching thanks to two veteran teachers of color who supported me and showed me the way. I would not have made it this far without them. This work--esp for teachers of color--is way too heavy to try to process in isolation. #EduColor
#EduColor A5: Honestly, we just need a listening ear that will help us navigate all of micro- and systemic aggressions exp. daily. Esp in maths, (white, male, often privileged by $$) where the stories of global accomplishment are intentionally removed/stolen. Care enough to learn
I didn't think about it in that way. And am not as familiar with that context. What's the relationship like bw minor and sponsor? Tell me more about why you like sponsor #educolor
A3: Was always taught by my mentor that sponsorship is an amplification of mentorship.
Relative to money and time of the sponsor.
Mentor = journey, goals, trajectory, long view
Sponsor = bankroll, access
#hopeimrelayingitcorrectly#educolor
A4 Good mentorship will help the mentee be able to nagivate their own experiences, recognize the inequities, and give them the tools to disrupt. And it helps the mentor sharpen their own skills and gain a co-conspirator in the work #educolor
A5: I firmly believe that every educator of color needs to have another educator of color as a mentor. That mentor/mentee relationship is essential, especially if you can find someone that identifies with the same minority group classifications as you. #EduColor
A4: The right mentor can play a huge part in actively challenging and dismantling oppression/inequality. Just encouragement and acknowledgment can be enough sometimes. #educolor
Mentorships for ToC is critical, not only because we have a dire need to increase teacher diversity in our schools but because a lack of mentorship can lead to greater barriers for academic and professional success for our teachers and thus for our SoC. #EduColor
A6 Twitter has led me to excellent mentors and friends. In my school, team building would be a huge first step. We are in silos and with over 100 teachers there are so many opportunities for these relationships #educolor
And support for how to challenge microagressions, especially for allies who are new to the space (and probably worried about their job security those early years) and unsure how best to help. #EduColor
if it wasn't for my EOC mami I would've switched to speech pathology two years ago. ended up in the literacy specialist program after talking to Mami (veteran bilingual early childhood), Tía (veteram bilingual high school, and cousin (veteran bilingual middle school). #educolor
A6: Lots of the work here at @EduColorMVMT is about mentorship collectively and individually on any number of things, including teaching. Obviously, we need more. #EduColor
A6: I have met several great mentors through Twitter. This platform is phenomenal for mentorship. But we also have to remember that not everyone has access to social media. How can we reach out and help them? #educolor
A4: one of my most fruitful mentorship relationships was with a southern and working class white woman who was very middle of the road politically & #EduColor
A6 Twitter has led me to excellent mentors and friends. In my school, team building would be a huge first step. We are in silos and with over 100 teachers there are so many opportunities for these relationships #educolor
We're halfway through tonight's #Educolor chat and I'm caught up in conference craziness. Clearly I'll be catching up on it later. But if you can jump in now, I highly recommend it!
A6: Social media has personally been great for me when it comes to finding fake mentors who totally have no idea I consider them mentors. It’s been especially great in regard to finding other student teachers and Black educators. #Educolor
A5: Integral role and essentially the B in Belonging, for me. Way past representation when a EOC lands a position and there are mentors of color in the school. #Educolor
A6: participating intentionally in spaces for educators is a great start. Whether in our schools, cities or twitter! Like our students, we don't know what we don't know & the only way to learn it is to be present. #EduColor
A5: I know I'm not the only educator that wouldn't still be in their school if not for my mentors of color that struggled before and are now mentoring me. It's a cycle of community and survival only EOC will know and understand. It's as essential as a lesson plan book. #Educolor
A5. Life is hard enough. Make life a little easier for a teacher by supporting their effort. Know that mentorship offered must do this. Give 'em a hall pass, a HALLELUUU and a hug. #Educolor
A5: It’s critical. I was fortunate to have the mentors I did. Similarly, and the other way, some TOC ended up leaving *because* they didn’t have solid mentorship. #EduColor
A3 Our Mentoring page https://t.co/wUyUpGoFUm To become Lead Teachers we underwent training. You need to be a good listener and a caring and supportive person to be a good mentor. #educolor
its familial. the sponsor usually comes to the US first. when the minor comes, the sponsor applies for guardianship. we have to verify they are a) not traffickers, b) not abusive, c) who they say they are. but they are who keeps minors in this country. #educolor
@NewTeacherCtr has many resources for mentoring. My previous district had a well-established mentoring program built with resources from New Teacher Center. Mentors went through training and were constantly supported. #educolor
In reply to
@stefwithanfany, @DulceFlecha, @NewTeacherCtr
A6 Twitter has led me to excellent mentors and friends. In my school, team building would be a huge first step. We are in silos and with over 100 teachers there are so many opportunities for these relationships #educolor
A4 A good mentor is able to tell the truth, cutting through the jargon. They can provide the model for not just survival, but rejection of harmful practices. #educolor
A5 I would not be an educator if it weren't for a Black woman educator. White folx told me forever I'd be a teacher. I didn't believe them. When she told me, I believed her. She was a mirror for me and a door to this work. 1/2 #EduColor
A6: Chat groups, twitter chats, calling someone, meet-ups, Skype calls, all of this is so important. We have more ways to connect to other educators than ever before. In a time where educators are going through THE MOST, no one should feel like they are alone. #Educolor
She continues to push me. Challenging me to be an adjunct. Connects me with new Ts. Asking me to present at a symposium in her honor (tomorrow). I need her counsel, support, challenge, feedback to stay in this game. I'm forever grateful and have to pay it forward. 2/2 #EduColor
Also,
Twitter has allowed me to foster relationships with educators of color that wouldn’t happen in my community. There are more EOCs in this picture than in my building. I value this more than I can ever express. I’ve learned so much this past year. #cleartheair#educolor
A6: Thankfully making peer-to-peer connections has been easy for me. Going through the same struggles has bonded me with my fellow teacher candidates. Especially those of color. #educolor
A5: Being a Black T in a predominantly white school can come with insecurities. Having mentors of color can allow a teacher to come into their own and have confidence.
A4: but this isn’t the blind side and she wasn’t sandra bullock. it took work from both of us to respect our individual experiences in an effort to learn from each other. our mentorship relationship was reciprocal #EduColor
A6 Follow up: I don't have enough characters for HOW MUCH!!! Humility of all kinds is so vital as an educator and cultural humility is especially important for those of us non-EOC who teach SOC, right? #EduColor
One thing that sort of holds me back from educative spaces on social media, though, is the sometimes inaccessible language. I’m even in this chat like 😅 could they have been said in a simpler way? But that’s also just my bias showing #EduColor
A7: Power is everything in mentoring. When mentors say “We already know better than you,” that’s already a power imbalance. When the mentor says, “How would you like to start?” it levels the field a bit. #EduColor
A6 Social media has been an excellent tool for meeting EOC and connecting with like minded people around equity. BUT a part of the challenge is being open to give/receive mentorship when the opportunity is presented #educolor
A7: Power dynamics can turn what should be a collaborative, restorative relationship into one where one person is taken advantage of and is afraid to advocate for themselves. Power dynamics can kill a mentorship. #educolor
AMEN to the 'servant leadership'. It says so much about a person's heart. You cannot step to a child or an adult (that's pretty much everyone) withOUT love. Can't do it. Won't work. Promise. #educolor
A7- It's VITAL that we choose our mentors/mentees. Admin may see mentorship as a gateway to high test scores, but you may be seeking mentorship as a way to make it through the school day/year. People in power might not understand the need for both until it is too late. #Educolor
A6: I believe that we solicit honestly ...w/authenticity.
Ex. 🗣 “Teacher A, I love how you connect with students in what many would consider high stress situations and you just keep your cool 😎. I really admire that quality. Would you share some of your strategies?” #EduColor
#EduColor A6: Discovering a pattern in my curricular area (maths) that many people are introverts and I am not (LIKE AT ALL). With respect for ppl's right to exist as they are, I am perfectly fine being the first to speak and learn from you all. I'll keep it mathy to start:)
A7 I’m thinking this is why EOC having mentors who are EOC is important. Regardless of position, there is a similar racial power/status that both must navigate. The mentor is able to provide advice through loved experience. #educolor
Don't be sad. Take note. Find the English word that fits your definition. Then use it. Start a trend. Write a blog. It's an opportunity to talk about the fit. #sponsor#educolor
A7 dropped other work to respond to this.
FOLKS. If you are in a position of privilege *and* a mentor, you MUST QUESTION IF YOU HOLD OPPRESSIVE PERCEPTIONS OF WHAT "GOOD TEACHING LOOKS LIKE." #educolor
A7 (cont)
If you do, you are in a very dicey place of being complicit in perpetuating these ideas. You must actively do the work to help support and mentor while honoring the culture and stories of your students AND your mentee. IT MATTERS.
#educolor
Q5. Mentorship of educators of color is a little more complex. We need to understand how to guide our mentees in dealing with issues of racism, cultural awareness, stereotypes and bias with their colleagues. We still have work to do in this area. #EduColor
being a non-black teacher of color i have leaned on and learned so much from black women educators who have quietly mentored me outside of formal mentorship programs or roles. thinking abt how i do/can show up for them too #EduColor
A5: Being a Black T in a predominantly white school can come with insecurities. Having mentors of color can allow a teacher to come into their own and have confidence.
Just got home #Educolor running inside but first, A7: power can consume a mentor relationship. The real power lies within the work and the collective breadth of what two edus can bring and do together. 👊🏾
#EduColor A7: Being sent to "coach" Ts I always try to start w/relationship building. "How was your day?" "What would ideal classroom look like and how can I serve you in this capacity?" We're in this together and I have no positional authority, so Vegas rules apply. :)
Q5 #EduColor. I love this question! We know for a fact that having educators of color demonstrably improve the lives of all children, and Black and Brown children in particular. How do we keep EOCs in the classroom when burnout is all too real? when administrators push for
A6. Talk to groups you wouldn't normally associate with each other. For example, The Nat'l Assoc'n of Black Women in Construction are stoked to be leaders at #Drones4Girls. Put them in touch with kids. Relieve the pressure on teachers. #educolor
Just got home #Educolor running inside but first, A7: power can consume a mentor relationship. The real power lies within the work and the collective breadth of what two edus can bring and do together. 👊🏾
Yep. I think (I'm an optimist) many more educators would call out everyday racism regularly if they knew better how to do it, even if it put their job at risk. I'm included in that. Intent, mentoring, and practice build confidence. Muscle memory. #EduColor
A7 In my exprnce, I’ve found the generational differences have been the biggest roadblock to effective mentorship. I appreciate that you’ve been serving the greater good for 20+ yrs, but if you haven’t grown, how can I grow w/ you? #EduColor
A8: Mentors shouldn't be afraid to try new things but they also shouldn't blindly try new things. They should know how to create and care for their classroom culture. #educolor
A4: Mixed mentoring (race, gender, sex, class, etc) can dismantle many oppressive narratives that are often passed on during the mentoring process. Self-acknowledgment of privilege prior to mentoring helps in many ways #EduColor
A6 cont'd. Women from Detroit Black Tech, U.S. Army and Black Women In Science & Engineering will all be leaders for #Drones4Girls. Support the community... with community. #Educolor
A6. We can reach out on @Twitter! I created a Twitter account many years ago during a PD, however, I barely used it. In Oct. I attended @WIDAConsortium and was inspired by @emilyfranESL to start using it to connect with other educators. 🙌🏽 #EduColor
A8: Mentors should be: knowledgeable, has a shared experience with me, can understand and empathize with my point of view, believes in the possibilities of all students, yes ALL, will keep me honest and accountable, and has a spiritual relationship with a higher power. #EduColor
A7 In my exprnce, I’ve found the generational differences have been the biggest roadblock to effective mentorship. I appreciate that you’ve been serving the greater good for 20+ yrs, but if you haven’t grown, how can I grow w/ you? #EduColor
A8: Someone who listens more than speaks. Someone who’s willing to giving loving but firm and constructive feedback. Someone who believes that such a staff member belongs, really. #EduColor
A8: A mentor should have expertise that is relevant to you. Have they been where you’ve been before? Do their identities influence their lives the way yours do? Do they teach in a school like yours? Are they interested in a mutually beneficial relationship? #EduColor
A7. You can cross, crush & transcend boundaries or barriers when willing to see / admit your part in marginalization / oppression. We all do it. Practice mindfulness. That takes care + HUMILITY. #educolor
A8 Either choose your own mentor, or be open to *being* chosen. Things often aren’t as fulfilling if the relationship is forced or assigned. Is this person where you want to be? Are they able to bring out the best in their students *regardless* of outside circumstances? #educolor
A1: Mentorship In Ed. Using an equity lens when coaching a teacher with students and parents, specifically if there are gender/race differences. Supporting staff ideas with admin to build all students. #educolor
#EduColor A8: Openness to the truth. It's exhausting to try to convince people you're a human...racism exists...yes, that was a microagression, etc. I need my mentor to help me not exacerbate my emotional toil.
A7. The mentee should have the power to create their learning path. I offer suggestions and remind them that I am there to support them. If an issue arises I guide them through a process of self reflection and a brainstorming process to resolve the issue. #EduColor
A8: Passion & experience are also important. And you can always learn from someone that doesn’t look like you and hasn’t lived like you. But they have to be about you, for lack of a more “polished” way to say that. #Educolor
A4: Mentors extend their knowledge 2️⃣help disrupt the #School2Prison Pipeline
⚖️Build authentic relationships with students
⚖️Engage👥parents consistently throughout the year (parent workshops)
⚖️Outlaw #ZeroTolerance mindsets & practices
⚖️Embrace #RestorativePractices#EduColor
Ohhkay. That role is too important. After @JuliB224 said sponsor is amplification of mentor providing access and $; and now understanding this context a lil more, sponsor sounds like a step up now. #EduColor
A7. That's a preparation kind of thing. Gotta be intentional. Create set of habits around that. Talk to THE WISE in your world. Ask 'em a REAL question. They'll answer. #educolor
A8 A quality to be looked for in a mentor is validation and affirmation of my experience as an EOC. When I share something, believe me. Understand and empathize as best as possible. Guide me through it using your own exprnce and lets grow together in the spaces #EduColor
A8. #EduColor Look for a mentor who the students respect and respond to in the classroom and halls. A great mentor has successful students. Find a person with goals for the whole person.
A7: It could hinder input from mentees & as mentioned earlier, when money's involved, it makes the relationship transactional, rather than organic. Both of these could reduce the transformational potential of mentorships. #EduColor
Yes! And let's hold each other accountable to our self-care because of the emotional burden of the isms. I want my mentoring relationship to also feel like a space for healing and hope. #EduColor
Q8: #EduColor For me: another PoC or legit ally, socio-eco similarities, an open mind, teach me to navigate systems, someone who doesn't sugarcoat and will stand up for me when needed, but also point out when I've overstepped or when I need to step back to see the whole picture.
A9 probably not what you’re looking for, but I plan to gift new teachers a print of this poem when I can get my s together. It is what I come back to when I’m feeling like I’m not doing enough for my kids. https://t.co/suxDDHKQyg#educolor
someone who can encourage you in boundaries is so so so so so important. It's not something our cultural is great at in general & teachers even less so. Being celebrated for taking a mental health day by my 1st year mentor still sticks w me #EduColor
In reply to
@CSpearsEDU, @LybryaKebreab, @EduColorMVMT
#educolor A9:White Fragility seems to be a book that's getting traction. The Art of Coaching is one I travel with currently. Anything on https://t.co/YKqOyVe8IT. I am about to re-read all things James Baldwin in 2019 bc he seems to be my ancestor spirit guide this year. Hehe
A7 cont'd. Asking this question right out the gate may suggest lack of preparation or leadership. I like options. Kinda like planning a dinner-- ask about allergies (do no harm) but offer enough choices that guests won't starve. Brain food works the same way. #educolor
A9: I'll be a mentor for anyone needs it. Message me day or night, lets talk together to support each other, and rise up against whatever you're fighting through. Just DM me or follow me😊 ✊🏽#EduColor
No one said the mentor/mentee relationship couldn't be interchangeable
A8 part 2: I have to give a shout out to my mentor @ProfessorDG
He’s been a moving force in my life and show my gratitude everyday by taking his teachings and spreading them into the world. Thanks DG. #EduColor
And further nuanced, a sponsor advocates, networks and actively grabs hold of spaces that align with your goals and needs. Pulls you in ‘the room’ With them, usually someone deeply invested in u/ur work who can amplify it in some way. #EduColor
Ohhkay. That role is too important. After @JuliB224 said sponsor is amplification of mentor providing access and $; and now understanding this context a lil more, sponsor sounds like a step up now. #EduColor
#Educolor
A8: authenticity and courage to advocate for students, self, & others, someone who interrupts oppressive practices by questioning and following through
Awww, missed most of #Educolor live.... Sorry y'all, prepping for, what is hopefully, an awesome Non-school day child care...err day, tomorrow. SUPERHERO THEME!
#EduColor Q9: Readings that have inspired me (and continue to do so)
1. From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces by Arao & Clemens
2. What Urban Math Teachers Need to Know by @RG1gal
3. The Wake by Christina Sharpe
A7: When we release the NEED to have “the power” both parties (mentor 👥 mentee) 🎉 win💥‼️
@jimknight99 📖 “Better Conversations” is an excellent resource as well as his 6️⃣ Partnership Principles
👀 him speak on #Equity 👉🏾 https://t.co/LRtTe9UMIV#EduColor
