Mentor

My Mentor is currently teaching in the Eight Grade Level. She has been in the teaching profession for the past 26 years. She is currently a Spanish Teacher, but is teaching Math this summer. She has taught Math in the past for several years; so she is familiar with the curriculum. As I got to know my Mentor, I was able to ask her several questions after the class had been dismissed. She comes from a family of migrant workers. She has siblings that are in the teaching profession. I asked her what made her choose this profession; she stated that it was due to her Fourth Grade Teacher, “Who had inspired her to become a teacher?” She was able to remember his name. I also asked her another question, “What was the most rewarding aspect of teaching?” When she sees her past students succeed. She stated that there are times that a student will invite her to their graduation ceremony. In which, this gives her satisfaction to see them be successful. I asked her, “What is the most challenging aspect of teaching?” She responded with a sigh, “Trying to make a student not wanting to learn, learn.” And finally, “What advice will you give me as a new teacher?” “Be a strong disciplinarian” and “Be consistent with discipline because you cannot teach if you cannot manage your classroom.”