TL;DR:
- Learn how one new educator learned from a strong and supportive mentor and how the learning is reciprocal.
- New educators remind us that education is a choice, it can bring us joy, we need to be curious, it’s an adventure, and connected teachers are stronger together.
New educators remind me of my first teaching job. I worked in a mentoring school, a pilot project where each new educator was paired with an accomplished colleague. My mentor’s name was Renée and we each taught a Grade One French Immersion class.
Throughout that year, I was released to observe Renée in action. I joined the educational revolution of the day: center-based learning. Thanks to Renée’s advice, I incorporated more art and music into my classroom. A mom from my class decided French Immersion wasn’t for her child, so Renée made sure I didn’t take this personally. My heart broke the day my principal told me I was far from perfect. Renée sternly curbed my disappointment.
At the end of that year, I thanked Renée with a gift and a little speech. My strong and supportive mentor insisted she had learned more from me than I had from her. She even teared up a bit. Honestly, Renée’s response was puzzling to me at the time, but we were all June tired, after all.
Almost three decades have passed since then. I am now one of the most experienced teachers in our building, where a large number of integration aides and teachers are new to the field. Since this is the case, I truly understand Renée’s reaction that summer day. New educators remind me daily of a few important things I had forgotten.
Ultimately, new educators remind me that connecting with others will be the key that allows me to teach better. Click To TweetNew educators remind me education is my choice.
Being an educator is difficult. At times, it’s easy to forget why we said yes to this path. However, our young music teacher considers her “why” every day. She enters our classroom genuinely eager to see my grade six students, and they think the world of her as a result. Our integration aide is delighted to be at work each morning. She spends extra time with the kids at recess and heads up our decorating committees for special days. New educators remind me that I am choosing to be here. Besides, many of the big decisions I’ve made in my life have propelled me here. I am remembering to be grateful for the privileges of my career.
They remind me education is joyful.
Two of our new educators made a dance video with simple choreography. The whole school learned the dance and loved it! In a world of masks and sanitizer, our kids moved and laughed like kids. Many of our newbies are part of our staff social committee. With their trademark creativity, they bring a chuckle or two to our days. New teachers of littles are at work just as the sun comes up, to make their classrooms magical places. New educators remind me that joy is the biggest reason I was drawn to education. We get to witness kids’ light bulb moments and the smiles that accompany them. Laughter, art, and music are all around us. This does not happen daily in most other jobs.
New educators remind me education requires curiosity.
New educators ask questions, listen, and observe. Recent arrivals in our building don’t make assumptions based on how kids used to be. As a result, they get to know students as they are today. New teachers aren’t stuck in techniques, or lessons, or problems that have “always” been there. This is because they want to know, want to try, want to discover what will work for them. New educators remind me that I am a learner at my core. I am inspired to ask, to listen, and to observe.
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They remind me education is an adventure.
Becoming an educator is a big undertaking at the best of times. This year our school has experienced both face-to-face and online learning, sometimes simultaneously. Our new educators have embraced the two models without complaint. Granted, it’s not fair that they are beginning their careers during a pandemic. However, our new educators simply accept the parameters and dive into the adventure. New educators remind me to be excited about the teacher life. Because they are in my circle, I recognize that I’m on an exhilarating ride.
New educators remind me we are never alone.
Our new educators wisely form support networks because they instinctively know the importance of balance. By contrast, many of us vintage teachers only seek help when our mental or physical health takes a hit. Our recent arrivals draw on the advice of many, then they make their own best choices. In addition, new teachers use social media to their advantage. Their resources are vast and varied, and they use their voices effectively. For this reason, new educators remind me camaraderie is important. They help me see that surrounding myself with others who “get it” amplifies my knowledge. Only recently have I begun reaching out to others the way I should. Finally, thanks to new teachers, I have admitted to myself that connected teachers are definitely stronger.
I was incredibly fortunate to have an experienced mentor. Since then, I have learned to appreciate educators at all stages of their careers. Seeing young teachers in action enhances the journey along my chosen path with joy, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Ultimately, new educators remind me that connecting with others will be the key that allows me to teach better.
About Sandra Weir
“Sandra Weir lives in Québec, Canada. She has taught every grade from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Eight. Sandra is currently a Grade Six English and Math teacher. She is a wife, mom to three wonderful adults, and a definite dog person.
