Coaching and Mentoring Teachers

Mentoring and Coaching
Teachers

This article begins with the importance of mentoring and how mentoring can reform education. I understand that mentoring is an important factor because it allows us to recognize the effective ways of teaching. Teaching needs to be innovative and developmentally appropriate. Research clearly states, that mentoring is highly beneficial, when it comes to cutting the dropout rate by 35% and maintaining teachers. By mentoring teachers effectively, teachers are less likely to leave their profession. When a teacher has a mentor, the teacher is trained how to maintain his/her healthy objectivity, continue their support with their parents and children, and establish their goals. Mentoring is essential because it allows a teacher to grow from the advice that is given to them. Mentoring can be a key in all aspects such as, setting standards and best practices in schools and in classrooms. When interacting with parents, a proper guide can make a conference more vital. Curriculum planning is highly effective when a mentor is present, using best practices. It is imperative that mentors are taught to offer guidance and support rather than changing the overall teaching style of a teacher. Mentors must allow a teacher to grow and develop from their own skills. Teachers use this basis to add new abilities, methods, and resources to become highly effective educators. In all aspects, there is a process in mentoring and coaching teachers. Sensitivity to a teacher’s pace in learning is important. Everyone learns in different ways, patience is vital. Responding to positive change and effort is expected. At all times, expect nothing but the best practice. Question teachers with open-ended questions, this probes teachers how to interact with their own students and reflect on their own growth. A teacher needs to know what it is to reflect on their student’s knowledge and skills as well as their own progress and improvements. When establishing a mentoring program, observations of teachers need to be done, to determine who are effective mentors. A short assessment helps identify strengths and growths in teachers. As a final point, this article informed me about how crucial it is to have mentoring part of an education program. How much schools and teachers, especially beginning teachers, can benefit from a mentor. I began teaching without the guidance of a mentor. It is a shame, how much I could have learned from a mentor or coach. Today, I will become a true advocate on having mentors part of education settings. They truly do make a difference in the life of a child and teacher.