Mentor Reflection

The topic of collaboration, specifically networking and mentoring to me is my “house on fire” because I have personally seen the impact, positive and negative, it can have on classroom teachers and administrators. From these experiences, I have seen teachers gain confidence and flourish with guidance and help from those around them. I have also witnessed teachers struggle and perform well below of their capabilities due to limited access to those who have experienced the same situations as them. These experiences are discussed and elaborated on below. From my own research, I have also seen a positive impact that mentoring can have on new superintendents as they assume the role in leading the district. The importance of having a solid mentor

As a student, I worked with my classmates out of class to explore a variety of topics and came together to collectively develop our foundational knowledge of the work we were doing in our education classes. The work that was done together expanded our initial assumptions of educational and it provided a safe place for us to challenge each other beliefs and assumptions in regard to education. I also had the opportunity to work outside of my year teaching cohort to work with other students who were along the same path as me, but possibly further down the path. These were informally meetings that allowed me to question the choices they made when they were in my position, and they provided guidance for the path that I should follow. Later, I found myself in their place as a freshman cohort mentor. This allowed to meet with students formally and informally to assist them in any manner they would find beneficially in the education department. Lastly, as a student teacher, I found myself paired with a male, 3rd grade teacher. This experience allowed me to master and hone my teaching pedagogy in a real-life application, much more immersive than previous practicum experiences. This formal and informal relationship that was developed allowed me to gain the confidence needed to continue on in the education

These connections and experiences led me to being accepted into my school districts aspiring leadership program called the Superintendents Leadership Institute. This furthered my networking and connections by learning alongside peers from all over the district who were also wanting to move into administration. The field experiences that were connected to this institute furthered my network by placing me as a building administrator during the summer months. From this experience, I learned about other principals networking and who, when problems arose in their building that they needed advice on, they would call for