Reflective Teaching - 30 Day Challenge Day 6

Over the course of the 8 years I have been at my school, I have had the chance to have a wonderful, wonderful mentor in my principal. Sadly (for me and all the other teachers at my school) she retired at the end of the year. She will be dearly missed; our school will definitely not be the same without her. She listened when I needed listening to, answered when I needed answers, sympathized when I needed a sympathetic ear, nudged when I needed to decide for myself, shoved when I just wouldn't decide and guided with the firmest, yet gentlest of hands. She is irreplaceable and I can only hope that she will remain in my life outside of teaching for quite some time. Thankfully, her successor seems to be a kindred spirit and I'm sure we will get along famously as well.

So, in tribute to my fabulous mentor, here are the things a great mentor does:

• listens
• reflects
• problem solves
• advises
• collaborates
• challenges
• nudges,
• pushes,
• shoves!
• motivates
• tells it like it is
• supports
• believes
• guides with a gentle hand
• shares
• sympathizes
• encourages
• inspires
• makes space
• gives leeway
• loves
• leaves something behind
  

With great admiration for all of the wonderful mentors out there,

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