Hey #BmoreEdChat !!! Soo excited to be here! Shanna Warburton-Barnes from Teacher Leadership Development in our lovely @BaltCitySchools HC Office led by our fearless leader @JGSbmore ! I coordinate our amazing & marvelous mentor program!! #bmorementor
Hey #BmoreEdChat !!! Soo excited to be here! Shanna Warburton-Barnes from Teacher Leadership Development in our lovely @BaltCitySchools HC Office led by our fearless leader @JGSbmore ! I coordinate our amazing & marvelous mentor program!! #bmorementor
You that feeling of treading water and barely keeping your head up? I was a long term sub for most of the year and was literally 2 days ahead planning. Of course if I thought then the way I do now, it wouldn’t have been half as bad. #growthmindset#BmoreEdChat
A1: First year teaching: love in my heart, enthusiasm in my bones, and a knowledge that i had a LOT of learning to do FAST to help the kids I was falling in love with in front of me #BmoreEdchat
Hey #BmoreEdChat !!! Soo excited to be here! Shanna Warburton-Barnes from Teacher Leadership Development in our lovely @BaltCitySchools HC Office led by our fearless leader @JGSbmore ! I coordinate our amazing & marvelous mentor program!! #bmorementor
A1: My first year of teaching was intense. I don't remember anything between the first day and dressing up as Bob the Builder for Halloween. #BmoreEdchat
A1; Fun and scary at the same time. I was teaching elem #physed and was split between 2 schools, one had a gym and the other did not. I taught in classrooms for a good part of the year. #BmoreEdchat
You that feeling of treading water and barely keeping your head up? I was a long term sub for most of the year and was literally 2 days ahead planning. Of course if I thought then the way I do now, it wouldn’t have been half as bad. #growthmindset#BmoreEdChat
A1 first teaching job was rough it was only 1 quarter it was long term sub job at MS teaching Spanish which was something I had never planned on teaching. First full year was much better although buys and lots to learn. #BmoreEdchat
A1: same here! LOVED my kiddos. Still have their class pic in a frame and remember every one of their names. It was a tough year for me, but I got through it with those little lovelies! #BmoreEdchat
A1: First year teaching: love in my heart, enthusiasm in my bones, and a knowledge that i had a LOT of learning to do FAST to help the kids I was falling in love with in front of me #BmoreEdchat
A2: Every moment counts for students and teachers. We have to provide support for teachers so they can not only impact students but also feel connected to the profession so they continue to teach for years to come. #wholechild and #wholeteacher#BmoreEdchat
A1: With the attrition rate of teachers being so high & the demands on teachers being so great, mentorship helps provide the mental, social and emotional support that Ts need for one of the toughest jobs in the world. #BmoreEdchat
Sharing knowledge of techniques and tips makes for a better teaching and learning experience. It could also work the other way if the newer teacher has tried some new techniques and shares with the experienced teacher. #BmoreEdChat
Mentors are important to help retain new teachers. Mentors are important because they help teachers get through the really tough times. For me it’s personal because my daughter is a second year teacher in the district. #BmoreEdchat
A2: mentoring is a critical component in the multiple layers of support teachers need to find success with students. Hearing from someone walking the same walk you are can strengthen commitment and purpose. #BmoreEdchat
#bmoreedchat A2: Support from other teachers and mentors are a MUST! It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to support a new teacher. We are in the business of children and there is no room to fail. #bmorementor
A2: Students are counting on you from Day One. Feedback and support from someone who has been in your shoes are parts of what it takes to survive and then thrive. #BmoreEdchat
A2 to learn from those who have been there. Show support and priorities I think my balance would have been terribly out of wack without the great mentor I had! #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdChat Yes! It goes both ways! We are always learning from each other. It’s reciprocal and that’s what so amazing about learning. We can learn from our students and our new teachers while they learn from us as well! #bmorementor
Sharing knowledge of techniques and tips makes for a better teaching and learning experience. It could also work the other way if the newer teacher has tried some new techniques and shares with the experienced teacher. #BmoreEdChat
A2. New teachers need a road map to keep their car on the road... Those who have surpassed the challenges they are getting ready to face can help new teachers miss a few bumps in the road. Otherwise, they may become discouraged & leave teaching—which we don’t want! #BmoreEdchat
A1 My first year of teaching was definitely a learning experience. I was blessed to have been assigned to a co-teaching type of classroom so I had a partner that taught me the ropes. She was “newish” too - but had a year or two more under her belt. #BmoreEdChat
#BmoreEdchat A2 Mentors are necessary to help new teachers adjust to the complex realities of being a teacher. Transitioning from undergrad or alt certs can be challenging and a mentor can help guide new career teachers.
Exactly! We are supporting the #wholechild AND we need to support the #whole teacher in that journey bc it is challenge no matter where you are teaching in this world! #BmoreEdchat
A1: With the attrition rate of teachers being so high & the demands on teachers being so great, mentorship helps provide the mental, social and emotional support that Ts need for one of the toughest jobs in the world. #BmoreEdchat
A3: When I think about mentoring as an admin now one word pops into my head: INTENTIONAL. We must be purposeful in all our supports, structures, and relationships with new teachers. #BmoreEdchat
Mentors are important to help retain new teachers. Mentors are important because they help teachers get through the really tough times. For me it’s personal because my daughter is a second year teacher in the district. #BmoreEdchat
A2 In addition to supporting new teachers, mentoring allows students to see that even as adults we are always learning, seeking knowledge from our peers #BmoreEdchat
A2 Quality mentoring develops effective teachers. Effective teachers develop successful students. Successful students grow up to be productive and contributing citizens! #changingTrajectories#BmoreEdChat
A good mentor is some who can listen, not to respond but to HEAR what you have to say. A mentor has to also understand that not every conversation is about finding a solution. And that every mentee is different. #bmoreedchat
A1: first year was nuts, started as a long term sub on Halloween, no curriculum, I had never even student taught! Had to really learn on the job #BmoreEdChat
A3: knowledge of the mentee's content! Specialists (music, art, phys Ed, etc...) have quirky things about their content which take practice translating for others. Content mentor means the young teacher doesn't have to "translate" = more effective coaching. #BmoreEdchat
A3: first year, tough day, one of my mentors walked in my room, looked at my kids and said "this woman loves you. She is smart. She is the real deal. And she is working really hard for you. She deserves your respect." That's the definition of empowering your mentee! #BmoreEdChat
#BmoreEdchat I like the word you used here. Balance. You are trying to find this new balance in your life your whole first year. Having someone to level with is so improtant.
A2 to learn from those who have been there. Show support and priorities I think my balance would have been terribly out of wack without the great mentor I had! #BmoreEdchat
A3. A mentor must have the SAUCE!! Lol. Sensitivity. Ability to lead. Uncommon ways of engaging learners of any age. Common core knowledge. Experience! SAUCE... 😍 #BmoreEdchat
A2: teaching is tough especially in first year, having someone you trust that you can share all your mistakes with and will help you get better is best for you and your students #BmoreEdChat
A3. One characteristic for an effective mentor is someone that can listen to their teachers. Mentors wear many hats at least in my building. We need to take the time to listen to our teachers. We also need to ourselves in their shoes. We were once in their shoes . #BmoreEdchat
A3: the ability to balance helping/providing answers and supporting the new teacher finding the answers. Supporting while empowering is vital #BmoreEdChat
A good mentor is some who can listen, not to respond but to HEAR what you have to say. A mentor has to also understand that not every conversation is about finding a solution. And that every mentee is different. #bmoreedchat
#bmoreedchat I like your analogy of a road map because it truly is a journey where sometimes you might get lost and need directions! We want to keep everyone on the road of retention. Mentors help teachers love teaching instead of leave teaching! #bmorementor
A2. New teachers need a road map to keep their car on the road... Those who have surpassed the challenges they are getting ready to face can help new teachers miss a few bumps in the road. Otherwise, they may become discouraged & leave teaching—which we don’t want! #BmoreEdchat
A4 In my schools, we focus on multiple layers of support. The heaviest hitting is their mentor. But also support from admin, PLCs, hugs, handshakes and high fives :) #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat A2 Mentors are necessary to help new teachers adjust to the complex realities of being a teacher. Transitioning from undergrad or alt certs can be challenging and a mentor can help guide new career teachers.
A3: first year, tough day, one of my mentors walked in my room, looked at my kids and said "this woman loves you. She is smart. She is the real deal. And she is working really hard for you. She deserves your respect." That's the definition of empowering your mentee! #BmoreEdChat
A4: We have a teacher development liaison (TDL). I was new to my county & school last yr. TDL reached out to me in the summer to let me know who she was & her supportive role. She also held PD sessions specifically for new Ts through out the yr. #BmoreEdChat
A2: Teaching is one of a few careers that demands that novices and veterans in the field yield the same results. That is daunting for new teachers, but a important for the students, families, and communities that rely on them. #BmoreEdChat
A4: Excited to meet with @ShannaW77 to discuss and plan! Currently we are meeting based upon need and using an open door policy for any issue, concern, or interest. #BmoreEdchat
Loving the SAUCE! #bmoreedchat Ability to lead you at times bc you may need it, but then also know when to stand back and let you have the drivers seat.
A3. A mentor must have the SAUCE!! Lol. Sensitivity. Ability to lead. Uncommon ways of engaging learners of any age. Common core knowledge. Experience! SAUCE... 😍 #BmoreEdchat
A4) jumping in late! New teacher support includes lots of time with the head of school, support from our curriculum director, and especially the rest of staff. #BmoreEdchat
A4: We have admin devoted to teacher support, also a pretty good new hire program with check ins and meetings for two years after, although most of that is more focused on spiritual/ mission side not always teaching side #BmoreEdChat
A4: we don’t currentlyhave new teachers, but when I’ve presented systemic PD for Early Learning I’ve made sure that teachers have@my contact info in case they need to reach out to someone NOT in their school. Creating virtual support. #BmoreEdChat
A4. There are two mentors. Elementary and Middle. Monthly meetings, emails, texts, phone calls. Differentiation for 1st ,2nd and 3rd year. Celebrate the small wins. Daily checking #BmoreEdchat
A3. A mentor must have the SAUCE!! Lol. Sensitivity. Ability to lead. Uncommon ways of engaging learners of any age. Common core knowledge. Experience! SAUCE... 😍 #BmoreEdchat
A3 To be an effective mentor, one has to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Tough conversations may need to happen.
We also need to scaffold for our new teachers so that they can have a more secure footing as they start out.
Building relationships is key! #BmoreEdChat
A5: I think the biggest thing is that teachers need to feel comfortable going to DCs/ mentors / admin with mistakes and problems right away, if they feel like they will be “in trouble” or job is threatened they are gonna be a lot less willing to seek help #BmoreEdChat
A4 2 year mentor program with monthly meetings for New Ts across the district meetings with principal. It’s been revamped so I’m not sure exactly how it looks #BmoreEdchat
A5: Regular communication is a MUST. New teachers might feel like they are "bugging" you so check in proactively regularly. Also, the post-thanksgiving slump and March as the longest month ever is real ya'll. Take extra care in those months! #BmoreEdChat
A5. Let them watch you teach!! Just like we model for scholars in the classroom, new teachers need this as well. Too often new teachers are thrown in the room with no further support other than verbal/written. Teachers are diverse learners too! Support all styles! #BmoreEdchat
A5: I created a podcast and online sessions to help teachers. I like the podcasts because they are short nuggets focused on curriculum@and instruction. Always looking for new topics to support new teachers. #bmoreedchat
A5. Always be available!! They have so many questions and concerns. I found that this helps especially in the beginning of the year. Also constant feedback. #BmoreEdchat
New or experienced, I have an open door policy. I have a rep for being tech savvy and being successful with different methodologies so I get a lot of people popping in to ask questions. #BmoreEdChat
Yes ma'am! Courageous conversations will move those mountains and build the trust bc you insisted on honesty! Don't be kind be sincere and uncomfortable and genuine for a minute. It is worth it in the end! #BmoreEdchat
A3 To be an effective mentor, one has to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Tough conversations may need to happen.
We also need to scaffold for our new teachers so that they can have a more secure footing as they start out.
Building relationships is key! #BmoreEdChat
A5: Go to them in their arena. Had the pleasure of meeting all our new teachers at #NTSI2018 this year before school started to have lunch and build relationships. #BmoreEdchat
Using this strategy is very beneficial. Also I like for teachers to record themselves teaching. When reviewing have them find the things that when right instead of what may have gone awry. #bmoreedchat!
A5: support sessions when deadlines are approaching (inputting report cards, SLO submission, etc). Even if topics are covered in August reviewing throughout the year would be helpful. #BmoreEdChat
A5: I think the biggest thing is that teachers need to feel comfortable going to DCs/ mentors / admin with mistakes and problems right away, if they feel like they will be “in trouble” or job is threatened they are gonna be a lot less willing to seek help #BmoreEdChat
A5. Let them watch you teach!! Just like we model for scholars in the classroom, new teachers need this as well. Too often new teachers are thrown in the room with no further support other than verbal/written. Teachers are diverse learners too! Support all styles! #BmoreEdchat
A4: We have few brand-new teachers come to our school, but we do have interns through Towson. In our school, we pair new educators with mentors and offer support in instruction and professional responsibilities. #BmoreEdChat
I have seen so many different structures. Some schools match mentors to teachers by content, some do it by grade-level, and others utilize only those who are fully released from the classroom.
What do you guys think is the best way to go? #bmoreedchat
I make my “rounds” in the morning and at the end of the day, because inevitably, someone was meaning to email me or needs something but got too busy during the day to reach out.
A4) jumping in late! New teacher support includes lots of time with the head of school, support from our curriculum director, and especially the rest of staff. #BmoreEdchat
Great idea re: the podcast! Excellent way to share information freely that people can access at any time and gain information and knowledge. #BmoreEdchat
A5: support sessions when deadlines are approaching (inputting report cards, SLO submission, etc). Even if topics are covered in August reviewing throughout the year would be helpful. #BmoreEdChat
A4 It looks “individualized!” The support new teachers get caters to their specific need/gr.level/etc. We have used video-based coaching for a couple of years now too. It works out for us as we can zone in on targeted T-standards via snipped classrm video clips. #bmoreedchat
A6: One thing I can do as an admin is provide informal observation feedback weekly for new teachers. We want them to feel supported and have the resources to grow. #BmoreEdchat
A6: always be available and understanding. Remember your first year or worst lesson plan/ if you have a rep for being a good teacher new teachers will seek out your advice and help. Offer it freely #BmoreEdChat
Using this strategy is very beneficial. Also I like for teachers to record themselves teaching. When reviewing have them find the things that when right instead of what may have gone awry. #bmoreedchat!
A6: continuing to support the narrative around lifting up new teachers. They are capable. They are smart. And yes, they are green. But let's deepen and broaden our own impact by supporting them with our words, our actions and our hearts. #BmoreEdChat
You've been nothing but generous with your time and patience. So very fortunate to have you guide me through this process of learning and supporting my growth!
A6: continuing to support the narrative around lifting up new teachers. They are capable. They are smart. And yes, they are green. But let's deepen and broaden our own impact by supporting them with our words, our actions and our hearts. #BmoreEdChat
A6. Open my classroom door!! 🚪Share resources and creative lesson plan ideas.💡Group conferences with scholars and parents. 🗣 Listening ears. 👂 #BmoreEdChat
A6 Offering help in navigating the school procedures such as avenues to follow to get extra support for students, get needed supplies is helpful. Also, teachers are learning the names and roles of other staff members, and I often help in connecting people. #BmoreEdchat
A5: Yessss! I would also say pair like with like when letting them watch. As a physical education teacher my environment/standards/classroom are way different than ELA, Sci & Math. Watch Ts who teach similar content. #BmoreEdchat
A5. Let them watch you teach!! Just like we model for scholars in the classroom, new teachers need this as well. Too often new teachers are thrown in the room with no further support other than verbal/written. Teachers are diverse learners too! Support all styles! #BmoreEdchat
I feel like things like this don’t happen enough, observations can have such a negative connotation need to feel positive and supportive not punitive #BmoreEdChat
A6: One thing I can do as an admin is provide informal observation feedback weekly for new teachers. We want them to feel supported and have the resources to grow. #BmoreEdchat
Happy hour is always great! Doing things as groups, pairs, outside of school. Exercise is a great way to ward off those fall and winter blues and feel like part of a group and community! #Bmoreedchat
A6) Allow people to make mistakes without fear of being belittled. Building trust and working through mistakes or struggles help us all grow! #BmoreEdchat
A5: Have them address postcards to themselves and drop them in their mailboxes or mail them as little sources of inspiration and reminders that they matter and are valued @ShannaW77#BmoreEdchat
School wide, everyone has been more than kind, patient, giving, and supportive. I walked into a school that seems to have been together for decades, yet immediately added me into the family. I love it. I feel confident!
#BmoreEdchat A5: Pay attention to them as humans. They need their BALANCE. Keep your eyes on the time of year and the phases of a new teacher. Match your plans and activities for support to those times.
A7: Like @justincholbrook said nothing is ever perfect. And you can fix and try it again tomorrow. It’s okay. You don’t F.A.I.L. It’s just your first attempt at learning.
A7: teaching is like parenting. It is impossible to be perfect. But their are a million ways to be great, and a million more ways to keep getting better. #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat A great mentor is a listener, patient, genuine, flexible, has a great unbiased mindset, and can ADVOCATE for their mentees!!!! #bmorementor
A7. Maaaannnnn... lol. So much to say, but I will just say this: Be nice to EVERYONE, even the custodians. #chartpaper 😂 Also, even when you do your BEST, there is still room for growth somewhere. 🌱 #BmoreEdChat
A7: I wish I had known the joy would come from building trusting relationships with my students....and the value of being vulnerable and seeking out collaboration and support from colleagues. Knowing the good things to come would have been such a gift! @ShannaW77#BmoreEdchat
A5: @ROAR84Mcclure...you can have a "happy hour" in school with staff wellness activities. Our school calls it a lounge. We have food, music playing and this year were talking about getting chair massage services donated. #BmoreEdChat
