#COLchat Archive
Monday 9-10 p.m. EST. Building a Culture of Learning. "We invite all educators, parents, students and any member of a school community to join our mission of moving away from compliance to create and foster a true COL."
Monday March 21, 2016
I am Adam Hartley, co-mod of Exec. Director of & Director of Innovative Projects for Swartz Creek Schools in MI
Welcome to and welcome to our guest co-moderator from Zeeland Schools in Zeeland, MI
Welcome to
We are excited to have with us to talk about mentorship.
Please introduce yourself!
Steve from Urbandale Iowa. Ready to start my week off with a bang
Rodney Hetherton
co-mod
assistant superintendent
MI
Good evening! I am excited to talk about mentoring on tonight! Allyson Apsey, elementary principal from Zeeland, MI
Welcome to - we are discussing mentors in a COL https://t.co/q0lIZfloOC
Steve from Urbandale Iowa. Ready to start my week off with a bang
Hello friends! Excited to start my week w/you all - Shari, HS English in NJ
Welcome to - we are discussing mentors in a COL https://t.co/P45QcQHBBt
Hello friends! Excited to start my week w/you all - Shari, HS English in NJ
not much...First day back after break....Dragging a little tonight. I know will fire me up
Ben - Elementary AP from WI
Great to be here...Randy from Michigan
We will do our best! https://t.co/Ha1JHn4bi0
not much...First day back after break....Dragging a little tonight. I know will fire me up
Hi ! Lori from Swartz Creek, ELA-7.
Craig Pfenninger, USA Elementary Principal.
Good evening. Walt from Macomb, MI, ready to learn from and with
Welcome to - we are discussing mentors in a COL https://t.co/paSlHFnRBE
Craig Pfenninger, USA Elementary Principal.
Welcome to - we are discussing mentors in a COL https://t.co/i3wMwh3208
Good evening. Walt from Macomb, MI, ready to learn from and with
Arthur, AP English and English 12 teacher from the Haslett, MI. Going to try to hang with as long as I can!
Welcome to - we are discussing mentors in a COL https://t.co/GIJgOe1tWw
Arthur, AP English and English 12 teacher from the Haslett, MI. Going to try to hang with as long as I can!
Hi - Cindy from West Bloomfield, MI
Inviting our Crew to join Tuesday 3/22 when joins us for
Hi Rodney! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Q1 What does mentorship look like in a Culture of Learning?
A1 Mentorship should include these important COL components:
A1: Being positive and encouraging with your students all of the time- guiding them to find their success
A1: A true culture of learning includes mentors at all levels. Even the "boss" learns from others.
A1: Strong mentor/mentee relationship w/emphasis on mutual growth - pushing and learning together, collaborating & reflecting
Hello, friends! Thanks for reminding me about it...still tardy!
A1: Per usual, it all starts with https://t.co/VLXUuucxK0
A1 Mentorship should include these important COL components:
A1 Open door for other teachers to observe teaching/learning
A1: Open communication to share great, good, & ugly. Support in a truthful & student-centered way. https://t.co/Rf2KjVhwlW
Q1 What does mentorship look like in a Culture of Learning?
I LOVE this idea - a culture where Ts are in e/o's classrooms all the time
A1 Mentorship as a culture looks like a spiderweb. Everyone giving and receiving, learning from each other.
A1: Mentorship about listening, supporting, caring - all with humility. Sense of humor helps. Ain't ever "about me."
A1; A consistent personal investment of time, humility, wisdom and knowledge from experienced ppl to others
A1: Finding someone you can trust and who will give you feedback when you need it; and then being that person for someone else
No I in team concept leads to true COL! https://t.co/jOTgTAipYI
A1: Mentorship about listening, supporting, caring - all with humility. Sense of humor helps. Ain't ever "about me."
A1: One who listens & leads with questions. Open and reflective. One who is empathetic
A1: In blog, wrote about how criticism can make you feel defeated, strengths-based feedback can motivate you 2 continuously improve
Love this...not about me, about we and the students https://t.co/RSqAujPqcM
A1: Mentorship about listening, supporting, caring - all with humility. Sense of humor helps. Ain't ever "about me."
A1 letting someone try and learn but providing support and guidance when necessary
Supporting and learning from colleagues
Jump over to as we discuss the role mentorship has in creating a COL
A1 Letting our (mentor) mistakes be visible
Great reminder not only for Ts but for Ss as well. They get constant feedback, but does it defeat them? https://t.co/chSgdRhv3O
A1: In blog, wrote about how criticism can make you feel defeated, strengths-based feedback can motivate you 2 continuously improve
In a culture of learning, mentorship allows a protege to receive enhanced perspective as they move forward in learning.
another connection...love it!
Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
I'm a big fan of of the pro-con-pro model - end on a positive
A1: Mentor fosters a & uses & to & support another's professional/personal journey.
Hello from Swartz Creek Academy - RKT here for the fantastic
Yes, a web of information that is shared between people. A symbiotic relationship that fosters growth
A2: TRUST...confidentiality! A must.
A2: Must presume good intentions of each other https://t.co/PeByzruvTM
Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
Some serious COL components here. https://t.co/18QnWIHTm5
A1: Mentor fosters a & uses & to & support another's professional/personal journey.
RT Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
A2: A sacred time, a safe place, and an open heart. https://t.co/0oyj46qfc0
Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
A2 Mentoring requires mutual trust, feedback loops, and opportunity to fail w/out penalty as learning evolves.
A2 Time to collaborate, time to observe and reflect, time to build a relationship
Conferring w Ss and allowing work to be resubmitted.
A2: TRUST and understanding from both sides
A2: Trust - first and foremost. Open lines of communication - personal commitment & engagement
A2) Trust, transparency and an open mind
A2: The ability to laugh and have fun. It's easier to be vulnerable when a mentor can model not taking self too seriously.
A2 Mentor and mentee must be able to form a trusting relationship so that they can give honest feedback and reflect.
A2 trust and authentic caring need to be in place for effective mentoring
A2: Trust, honesty, open mind, open heart, humility.
A2: FUN, a must! https://t.co/8l0Db7hWQL
A2: The ability to laugh and have fun. It's easier to be vulnerable when a mentor can model not taking self too seriously.
A2: Trust seems to be most popular answer....
A2: trust, a 2-way relationship, and time to collaborate https://t.co/ojynYbbdWo
Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
A2) something me that can challenge us and pull us out of our comfort zone
Tuning in late. Tom from Cincinnati Ohio Associate Superintendent
RT Q2 What components need to be in place in order for mentorship to be effective?
Trust a big theme. We need to build trusting relationships to have authentic reflection and feedback.
A2 First thing that came to mind is to be there like a flying trapeze net to catch the person when they take a risk.
A2 Unyielding Empowerment, Engagement & Energy
A2: TIME. Both must be willing to invest in time the relationship. Time is the best gift we can give another.
A2: moving in same direction together. Sense of belonging with Qs & risks encouraged. Like Planet Fitness; judgement-free zone!
A2: TRUST - need to feel safe to share failures & successes. Willing to take risks & receive criticism
w/o trust there's no risk-taking, without which there cannot be growth https://t.co/OUFSGixbZL
Trust a big theme. We need to build trusting relationships to have authentic reflection and feedback.
A2 Important to not over-mentor. Encourage & support (not dictate) multiple potential pathways to improvement.
A2: Believe!
Mentee must believe mentor has something to offer. Mentor must believe mentee is willing to learn & grow.
great answer, guide them through failure and on to success!
A2: An effective mentorship relationship requires trust above all.
YES! John Wooden speaks of the harm in over-coaching. https://t.co/RM61XlaNkN
A2 Important to not over-mentor. Encourage & support (not dictate) multiple potential pathways to improvement.
Yes it should be feed forward not back. Push & guide them forward to build off their strengths
A2:Remember we don't have all answers. Sometimes things that flopped for us will work for others. Open mind https://t.co/lS69hJ0mf5
A2 Important to not over-mentor. Encourage & support (not dictate) multiple potential pathways to improvement.
A2: The "Speed of Trust" as described by Covey will enhance the effectiveness of a mentorship relationship
A2: A mentor needs to be willing to learn from a mentee. Reciprocity of coaching and learning can happen!
Q1 (Joining late) Mentorship must start with trust, support, reflection, and honest, risk-free feedback.
Q3 How has a mentor helped you be an advocate for a true COL?
A3: By modeling how we share our school's story. If we don't, someone else will share the wrong story.
learn from failures and teach those lessons to others!
A3 My best mentors:
1) were student centered
2) built relationships
3) gave honest feedback
4) advocated for doing the right thing
A3: Helping me place priorities - Challenging my thinking & pushing me forward - having resources for me to use & learn from
A3: relentless encouragement to help me reach my goals
A3: By being positive and accepting. Being there and listening.
Authenticity, growth for both, compassion, trust...risk taking and fun and engaged learning! Motivate each other!
A3: 1. Asking me throught-provoking questions & 2. Continually letting me know he was still learning, too.
A3: lucky to have a great mentor in - our partnership has allowed us both to try new things and experiment in 2 rooms
A3: A mentor once told me to keep in mind most are doing their best at that given time. Was a good lesson.
A3: One that makes the time to help me reflect & discuss no matter what
A3: A true mentor encouraged me to be open to others' ideas and listen.
A2 The mentor's selflessness and active listening plays an important part
Ask the right questions. https://t.co/4MXLdKA8W5
A3: 1. Asking me throught-provoking questions & 2. Continually letting me know he was still learning, too.
A3: Mentors have not merely made a difference - for me, they ARE the difference. Right time. Right place. Everything.
A3. Mentors believed in me when I didn't belive in myself.They loved me when I was most unlovable. Challenged me to pay it forward.
A3: Mentor has helped me by telling me truth, what is best for student learning, even if it is painful. Always w/ care, support
A3: First by believing in me. Teaching me a growth mindset is the only way and to accept EVERY child!
A3 Don't move forward with decision-making based on your own perceptions only.
A3: He used to ask me often, "Do you think I've ever dealt with this before?" The answer was always "no", but we figured it out.
A3: My old principal gave me a big leash, lots of resources, and encouragement, and that bred an environment to let flourish
This is a true COL! TY!! https://t.co/oCJG9DROKU
A3 Don't move forward with decision-making based on your own perceptions only.
It's why we have students peer edit in the writing process - a lesson we should take for ourselves
Very true. Helps to know that they are willing to learn with me & take chances if it is what's best for Ss.
You are so right. All best intentions are for naught w/o time. Time needs investment/protection fr all levels.
A3 My mentor challenges me to create a COL. I think and discuss obstacles I will face and he challenges me to hurdle them.
Give room to grow!
https://t.co/cAizZSCqlF
A3: My old principal gave me a big leash, lots of resources, and encouragement, and that bred an environment to let flourish
RT Q3: How has a mentor helped you be an advocate for a true COL?
A2 same as A1: Start with trust, support, reflection, and honest, risk-free feedback.
A3 A mentor provides the collaborative conversation we all need to process success and failures
So important to have someone w/whom to share reflections https://t.co/pcpxRwS4bl
A3 A mentor provides the collaborative conversation we all need to process success and failures
A3: So true, missing half the story when using only your own perceptions https://t.co/S3lxEU7W3t
A3 Don't move forward with decision-making based on your own perceptions only.
Dave in Iowa joining at halftime.
Q4 As a mentor, how can you provide purposeful feedback that fosters growth?
Collaborative conversations.
https://t.co/r2Br8YSPQy
A3 A mentor provides the collaborative conversation we all need to process success and failures
RT Q4 As a mentor, how can you provide purposeful feedback that fosters growth?
A4: Knowing our person is crucial. We will know how to properly coach, how much to nudge, and priorities.
A4: Lead with questions that will help them reflect & come up with ideas that could help them improve
. Especially when your coach has been train w/ Cognitive Coaching w? Jane Ellison who rocks!
A4: pro-con-pro model - ending on a positive - keep feedback focused on one area where measurable growth is possible
A4: Focus on any growth and celebrate all successes to build the relationships.
A4: Posing questions that lead to reflection.
A3: Mentor modeled building capacity through collaboration. PLCs are non-negotiable. Fullan: "Use the group to move the group"
Know the person.
https://t.co/FSekbXGGD9
A4: Knowing our person is crucial. We will know how to properly coach, how much to nudge, and priorities.
A4: Bld positive trusting relationships and be honest
A4: Have conversations with them to help them focus on what area they want to grow in & focus on that area - small chunks at a time
A4: Guiding questions that prompt thinking, reflection.
A4 Ask a lot of questions that cause thinking, reflection, creation of more questions, and one to be reminded growth takes time
Again...good questions...so important.
https://t.co/uK6WTWB5za
A4: Lead with questions that will help them reflect & come up with ideas that could help them improve
A4: Purpose met when meeting colleague where they are, understanding challenge & COL w honesty valued. Trust a must. Listen.
A4: Be upfront about your intentions to add value to them as educators, est norm of being honest always https://t.co/30pdmRAXT9
Q4 As a mentor, how can you provide purposeful feedback that fosters growth?
A4: Ask questions that foster thinking to create the culture, challenge what is there without being critical
A4 Give them a map and directions but allow them find their own path with your guidance and feedback
A4: I've learned from my mentors that I just need to be there, listen & help when asked. Staying positive is the utmost necessity!
A4: Challenge mentee from a position of grace - where we come from is not as important as where we're headed.
This is a must! Positive relationships & a safe culture = risk taking & learning https://t.co/1QRoV7U3SB
A4: Bld positive trusting relationships and be honest
A4: Help provide the type of feedback that you know YOU need
A4. Feedback meant for growth requires confronting facts without fear. Trusting relationships are the key for growth.
A4 Start with questions...seeking first to understand. There is always a lot more going on in plan+instructions than meets the eye
RT Q4: As a mentor, how can you provide purposeful feedback that fosters growth?
while remembering not everyone is YOU - while I can handle one kind of feedback, that might not be true for all
A4 Celebrate what is going well and let mentee share ways lessons/ideas could be improved - don't be afraid of honesty
A4: "foster growth" should be easy for me. Ha.
So important that we don't view ourselves as the end all...give a map and enjoy the journey. https://t.co/qlmZOa3FSp
A4 Give them a map and directions but allow them find their own path with your guidance and feedback
Such a good point! https://t.co/RRFIszWE1V
while remembering not everyone is YOU - while I can handle one kind of feedback, that might not be true for all
A3 Offer just enough feedback through questioning to support mentee self-reflection. Recognize growth & development, even publicly.
Seek to understand - don't assume. Great advice! https://t.co/sPqu2IC1H6
A4 Start with questions...seeking first to understand. There is always a lot more going on in plan+instructions than meets the eye
A4: I have found leading by example and publishing results of positive outcomes is a strong way to mentor
. Listen first is key! Trust is a must! A critical friend that is authentic and provides feedback from the Heart!
Q5 If you could give advice to mentors & mentees, what would it be?
A5: Surprise your mentee...sometimes just share the positive. Then they aren't always waiting for other shoe to drop
A4: As mentor, purposeful feedback fosters growth when you are clearly on protege's side. Be explicit about intentions.
A5: Embrace the experience & enjoy the opportunity. Learn from and with each other.
A5: put your whole self into either/both roles - fully embrace the process & work through the growing pains
Great response! As T or school leader, you are mentoring on large scale too! https://t.co/3dDIK0zO5N
A4: I have found leading by example and publishing results of positive outcomes is a strong way to mentor
A4 Connect w/the heart first! Listen, ask questions, paraphrase to verify listened accurately; offer possible ideas & not mandates
A5b: Be honest & clear, don’t skirt around the truth. Address things in a timely manner
A5: Advice to mentors - demonstrate humility, purpose, trust.
A5 Build relationships and listen to your students - let students lead
A5 Be honest with each other, build a network (PLN), take in feedback, take risks, be student centered, build relationships.
A5) Both should be open to ideas in order to foster growth
RT Q5: If you could give advice to mentors & mentees, what would it be?
A5: Learning is more important than knowing.
A5: I have learned from mentees as much as mentors. Be open minded and be ready to listen.
A5 Starting with the end in mind, be humble and plan to learn a lot together from you mistakes.
We are T first and foremost Our end is always to create growth T deserve to see us walk our talk, model growth
Yes! Honesty and transparency show that you trust and value someone - even when those things are tough
A5 Be open & willing to hear criticism Share your ideas & results to build a
A5 Build relationships with each other - listen and observe - be humble
A5. Don't be afraid to love enough to tell the truth, care enough to work without hours, and trust enough believe.
A5 Neither of you (mentor or mentee) will be perfect in the role. Take advantage of opportunity to flip roles when appropriate.
Love, hard work, and trust! https://t.co/1CLdhdnFqR
A5. Don't be afraid to love enough to tell the truth, care enough to work without hours, and trust enough believe.
A5 Build a relationship which includes some personal connections; Be patient; do not assume; be patient, ask clarifying questions
A5: Authentic. Be a pro. Embrace vulnerability. support the values of risk taking & living free https://t.co/AmoKzI3NUh
Be flexible, be open, have fun, reflect...always bring it back to the learning. Know thy impact.
A5 - Get connected - we are all experts in something & build your knowledge base & resources with experts in many different areas
A5: No judging, no assumptions. Connect professionally but also invest personally.
Mentees deserve the opportunity to watch and learn from each other. PLCs help create that environment when done well.
A5: mentors: assume best intentions, share experience rather than give advice, model the attitude u want the mentee to have
Great point, being a good mentor is being a model of continuous learning. Get mentee on ! https://t.co/rX5lz25ICK
A5 - Get connected - we are all experts in something & build your knowledge base & resources with experts in many different areas
A5: mentee: assume best intentions, seek first to understand than to be understood, never ever ever ever give up
Mentors are all around! How lucky we are to be in this age of technology!
I am fortunate tonight to be learning from some mentors right now! Go Growth Mindset!
Q6 What is the most important part of the mentor / mentee journey? Why?
A5: Make time for each other. Listen to each other. Grow a mutually beneficial relationship.
RT Q6 What is the most important part of the mentor / mentee journey? Why?
A6: Seeing the success and knowing you helped!!
A6: Honesty, presuming good intentions, strengths-based, open heart & mind, doing right by kids always! https://t.co/T8IN6WiULZ
Q6 What is the most important part of the mentor / mentee journey? Why?
A6: The part where one fails and the other points out it was simply a lesson
A6: Its ongoing-ness (new word? You know what I mean!) - growing together and working together to better refine abilities
A4: Ask open-ended positive questions and be a sounding board for mentee's reflection and next steps.
A6: Beginning. If we don't take the first step, we will never get anywhere.
A6: coming to a common ground on principles even if specifics of manifestation differ
That is a mic drop! https://t.co/LSqQz1YWO1
A6: The part where one fails and the other points out it was simply a lesson
RT Q6 What is the most important part of the mentor / mentee journey? Why?
A6 It depends . . . but having a trusting relationship will overcome any obstacle.
A6: Celebrating the little successes along the way. Everyone needs someone to celebrate them, and to celebrate with.
A6 Enjoying it, Not taking it for granted, and embracing the ebb and flow of the relationship.
Sorry board meeting night....
Q6. The journey is just that, a journey. Not a destination. The purpose of the relationship is lifelong growth.
A6) the amount of learning for both.
That's for a great chat. I have always loved but haven't been able to join in as much as I have wanted to. Be safe everyone!
Q7 TAKE ACTION: Name one way you can be a mentor this week. How can you provide purposeful feedback to peers?
The next step, decide that together. The lesson will continue for both
Thanks for a great chat. Hope everyone has a great week.
A7 Look for those that need an ear and listen critically and empathetically
A7: I am helping a few peers get ready for interviews...been there done that- plan on helping them kick butt!
A7: Smile and uplift
Keep best interests of SS in forefront.
Listen more than I speak https://t.co/em4i460jVD
Q7 TAKE ACTION: Name one way you can be a mentor this week. How can you provide purposeful feedback to peers?
A6 Hopefully the beginning of a trusting and mutually beneficial professional relationship. A true colleague to grow with.
A7: Support others as they prepare for interviews! Someone to reflect with and verbalize thoughts.
A7
One statement: I'm here for you.
One question: How can I help?
A7: Show for Ss in providing and encouraging - doing the same for Ts by offering an ear
A7: Need to check in with a mentee or 2. Ask "what's going on?" Listen & ask questions.
A mentor did this for me last week: helped!
How can I help?
https://t.co/LaKx5Bsfyt
A7: Need to check in with a mentee or 2. Ask "what's going on?" Listen & ask questions.
A mentor did this for me last week: helped!
Love the simplicity of this https://t.co/Xz1o56KqH4
A7
One statement: I'm here for you.
One question: How can I help?
A7: Purposeful feedback aligns to goals of the teacher w/in context of school's vision. Feedback is timely & actionable.
Thank you for leading us in an inspiring chat on mentorship!
Thank you for your blog posts and joining us on tonight! TY &
That was fun & reflective! Thank you for the opportunity! https://t.co/5ggeXhU8Ck
Thank you for leading us in an inspiring chat on mentorship!
Thanks and chatters for another inspiring Monday night chat - have a great week, all!
Thank you!! Have a great week!
Thank you for facilitating tonight. Great questions! Reflective answers from all. Lots to take away.
Thx and moderators and participants. Everyone benefits from building relationships.
