Mentor Programme and Overall Reflection 2019

Mentor Programme and Overall Reflection 2019

2019 saw the biggest growth for me in teaching. This year I developed a lot of confidence, content knowledge and built on my overall pedagogy. The biggest thing I learnt in 2019 was understanding what kind of teacher I want to be. I learnt how important planning deliberate acts of teaching are however, I also learned that teaching does not always need to be planned. Children need to be given experiences and opportunities. They need to know that it is ok to make mistakes and learn to problem solve on their own. It is so important to look for teachable moments everyday as those can sometimes be the most beneficial.

My mentor was approachable, available, dedicated, and a teacher I aspire to be like everyday. She was calm and open minded but, clear about her expectations of me and what her role was. I consistently felt comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes and reflect on what went well and what did not. An effective part of my mentor programme was the well established time to meet. This meant I always had a time where I was wholeheartedly listened to and could speak openly and honestly. She was able to listen well, give advice and provide resources to make productive change.

Everyday collaboration meant sometimes I would rely on my mentor for behaviour management solutions, more than I would need to if she was not there. I thought if something was a little bit out of my comfort zone I could just ask for help. While this was great, I believe I could have tried fixing the problem myself before asking for help. As my confidence grew over the year, after observing my mentor in difficult situations, I was able to take what I learnt and apply it to my practise. My mentor was always open and willing to help me out when I needed it.

Teaching alongside my mentor was incredibly beneficial. I was able to observe and be observed everyday. After term one I was comfortable being observed and could move past the nerves and actually get the most out of every lesson. I felt I learnt the most from 'doing' and seeing the teaching happen, instead of only having a conversation about what I could have done/could do next time.

Overall, I enjoyed teaching alongside my mentor in 2019. I felt comfortable and supported in everything I did. My mentor consistently dedicated her time and offered her skills to me. The school and her always ensured my needs were met and aspirations were always a focus. I feel very lucky to have an amazing support network who continue to help me achieve my personal and professional goals.