How Do I Find a Mentor Teacher?

"Hello, and welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the essential questions and practices that help us grow into the best teachers we can be. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a topic that can truly transform your teaching experience, especially in those early years. We’re asking: How do I find a mentor teacher?

Finding a mentor isn’t just about having someone to lean on; it’s about building a relationship with someone who can offer guidance, encouragement, and insights that help you grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or even someone with a few years under your belt, a mentor can offer you invaluable wisdom, feedback, and the support you need to thrive.

Today, we’ll explore the importance of mentorship, strategies for finding the right mentor, and what you should expect from a strong mentorship relationship. I’ll also share tips on how to nurture a productive relationship with your mentor and keep it balanced with your own unique teaching style.


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Show Notes

For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Edutopia – Mentorship for New Teachers: www.edutopia.org - Articles and resources on finding and benefiting from a mentor.
• National Education Association (NEA): Information on mentorship programs for new teachers.
• ASCD – Building Effective Teacher Mentorships: A guide on creating strong mentorship relationships.
• The New Teacher Project (TNTP): Resources on professional growth for new teachers.
• Teacher2Teacher Community: An online space for teachers to connect and find mentors in their field.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

"Welcome to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we dive into the heart of education, helping teachers, parents, and students thrive. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and if you’re passionate about making a difference in education, you’ve come to the right place. Before we jump into today’s deep dive episode, I’d like to ask for your support. If you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with your fellow educators and parents. Your support helps us reach more people, empowering more teachers and families to navigate the challenges of education with confidence and courage. So hit that subscribe button, share this episode, and let’s continue to grow this community together." Today we’re tackling a topic that can truly transform your teaching experience, especially in those early years. We’re asking: How do I find a mentor teacher? Finding a mentor isn’t just about having someone to lean on; it’s about building a relationship with someone who can offer guidance, encouragement, and insights that help you grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or even someone with a few years under your belt, a mentor can offer you invaluable wisdom, feedback, and the support you need to thrive. Today, we’ll explore the importance of mentorship, strategies for finding the right mentor, and what you should expect from a strong mentorship relationship. I’ll also share tips on how to nurture a productive relationship with your mentor and keep it balanced with your own unique teaching style. And for our parent listeners, stick around for a special bonus segment where we’ll answer a common question: How can I encourage my child’s teacher if I know they’re new to the profession? Let’s dive in." In our first segment we look at Why Mentorship Matters in Teaching."To start, let’s talk about why mentorship is such a critical part of a teacher’s journey. Teaching is complex and dynamic, and while our training and student teaching experiences give us a foundation, there’s nothing like being in your own classroom for the first time. The reality is, those early days, months, and even years can feel like navigating an uncharted ocean. And that’s where a mentor teacher comes in. A mentor is someone who can help you find your footing, offering practical advice based on their years of experience. They can share classroom management strategies, lesson planning tips, and insights into school culture. They can also be a sounding board—a person who understands the challenges you’re facing and can offer a fresh perspective. But perhaps even more important, a mentor teacher can help you develop confidence. They remind you that growth takes time, that missteps are part of learning, and that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. When you find the right mentor, you’re not just gaining a guide; you’re gaining an ally who’s invested in your success. So now that we understand the why, let’s move on to how you can go about finding that ideal mentor, starting with tips for new teachers in elementary school.""Finding a mentor at the elementary level is all about building connections with other teachers who have experience working with younger students and understand the developmental needs specific to that age group. One of the best places to start is within your own grade level team. In many schools, teachers of the same grade level collaborate on lesson planning, share resources, and discuss student progress, making it a natural place to connect with a potential mentor. As a new teacher, take time to observe how your colleagues manage their classrooms, interact with students, and structure their lessons. Pay attention to who seems particularly skilled at creating a positive classroom environment or explaining concepts in ways that engage young learners. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions—most experienced teachers are more than willing to share their insights and will appreciate that you’re eager to learn. Sometimes, schools assign mentors as part of a new teacher induction program. If you’re assigned a mentor, take full advantage of that relationship by setting up regular check-ins and asking specific questions about areas where you feel uncertain. For instance, you might ask about strategies for managing transitions or ways to integrate hands-on activities that make learning fun and interactive for young students. But if your school doesn’t have an assigned mentorship program, take the initiative. Approach a teacher you admire, perhaps saying,‘I really respect the way you manage your classroom, and I’d love to learn from you. Would you be open to meeting occasionally to share strategies and advice?’ A simple, respectful ask like that can be the beginning of a meaningful mentorship.""Once you move into middle school, teaching becomes more specialized, and students are dealing with a lot of changes socially and emotionally. Let’s talk about finding a mentor who can guide you through those unique challenges.""In middle school, teaching is often more subject-specific, and the developmental needs of students are shifting as well. Middle school students are navigating the complexities of adolescence, which can add layers of challenge to both instruction and classroom management. A mentor at this level can help you balance those aspects by offering strategies that meet both academic and emotional needs. One way to find a mentor in middle school is to seek out teachers in your subject area who are known for engaging students and managing the particular dynamics of middle schoolers. Look for teachers who seem to have a positive rapport with students, who are able to handle the challenges of this age group with humor and patience. If you’re a new science teacher, for instance, reaching out to an experienced science teacher can give you insights into subject-specific strategies and curriculum pacing. A great way to make this connection is by asking to observe a class. Watch how the teacher manages discussions, handles disruptions, and fosters student participation. Afterward, thank them and mention something specific you appreciated, like,‘I loved the way you encouraged students to think critically during the discussion: how did you develop that approach?’ Showing genuine interest in their techniques and being specific can help you build rapport and open the door to further mentorship. If you’re assigned a mentor but find they’re not a perfect match in terms of subject or style, don’t hesitate to build a network of mentors. You might have one mentor for classroom management and another for curriculum development. Middle school is a time of experimentation and adaptability, and having multiple sources of wisdom can be invaluable.""High school teachers face their own set of challenges, as students are older, more independent, and often more focused on future goals like college and careers. Let’s talk about finding mentors at the high school level who can help you address these unique needs.""In high school, students are thinking more independently and preparing for their next steps beyond school, which brings a new set of demands and expectations to teaching. As a high school teacher, your mentor needs to be someone who can help you navigate subject depth, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for college and careers. Start by looking for experienced teachers in your department. High school departments often have collaborative structures, which can make it easier to connect with colleagues in the same subject area. Approach teachers who have a reputation for engaging students in meaningful discussions or guiding them through complex projects. If you’re a new history teacher, for instance, find a mentor who’s known for making historical concepts relevant and interesting to teenagers. High school mentors can also help with assessing student progress and preparing students for standardized tests, AP exams, or even practical skills for life beyond high school. Don’t hesitate to ask about their approach to balancing rigorous academic expectations with real-world relevance. You might say something like,‘I noticed your students are really engaged in their work—what’s your strategy for keeping them focused and motivated, especially during challenging topics?’ A high school mentor can also be invaluable for navigating parent communication and managing the increased stakes of grades and college preparation. The right mentor will not only guide you in your practice but also share advice on working with parents, supporting students’ emotional well-being, and handling any school policies related to graduation requirements and college prep.""Finding a mentor is just the beginning. Next, let’s talk about how to make the most of that mentorship relationship once it’s established.""Once you’ve found a mentor, the real work begins. The most productive mentorship relationships are built on mutual respect, clear communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Here’s how to make the most of that relationship. First, set regular meeting times. You might meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on both of your schedules. During these meetings, come prepared with specific questions or topics you want to discuss. For example, if you’re struggling with grading, bring examples and ask for feedback on your approach. Having an agenda helps both you and your mentor make the most of your time together. It’s also important to be open to feedback, even when it’s constructive. A good mentor will point out areas where you can improve, but this is a chance to grow. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and be open about areas where you’re struggling or feel uncertain. Remember, they’re there to support you, not judge you. Another key to a strong mentorship relationship is being proactive in implementing your mentor’s suggestions. After each meeting, try out one or two strategies they recommended, and come back the next time to discuss how it went. This not only shows your mentor that you’re committed but also provides a basis for continued learning and growth. Lastly, remember that mentorship is a two-way street. Share your successes with your mentor and let them know when their advice has helped you make a breakthrough. Mentors are invested in your journey, and they appreciate hearing about your progress. A simple‘Thank you, that suggestion really made a difference in my classroom’ goes a long way in reinforcing a positive, collaborative relationship.""Now that we’ve covered how to find and make the most of a mentor, let’s move into our bonus segment, where we’ll answer a question from parents about how they can support their child’s teacher, especially if they know the teacher is new.""Parents often ask, How can I support my child’s teacher, especially if I know they’re new to the profession? And that’s a wonderful question because teaching is a team effort that includes the support of students’ families. One of the most effective ways to support a new teacher is through open communication. If you have concerns or positive feedback, share them respectfully. Teachers, especially new ones, appreciate knowing when they’re making an impact or where they might be able to make adjustments. Another great way to support is by reinforcing classroom expectations at home. Many new teachers work hard to establish routines and behavioral expectations, and it can make a huge difference when parents reinforce those expectations. Lastly, consider offering your time or resources if possible. Whether it’s volunteering for an event, offering supplies, or just a quick‘thank you’ note, small gestures of support can mean a lot, especially during those intense first months of teaching." And now, todays episode takeaways."Finding a mentor teacher is one of the most valuable steps you can take in your teaching journey. A mentor offers guidance, support, and insights that can help you grow, both as a teacher and as an individual. Whether you’re teaching elementary, middle, or high school, a strong mentorship relationship can make your first years more rewarding and sustainable. Thank you for joining us on today’s episode of Teaching with Valor. For more resources on finding and working with a mentor teacher, check out the links in our episode description. I'm also including a free version of my newest book"Ready, Set, Teach! for all my listeners at TeachingwithValor.com or DJFessenden.com. Remember, no teacher has to go it alone:learning from others is what helps us become the best we can be. Keep connecting, keep learning, and as always, keep teaching with valor."