Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
S I X T E E N Y E A R S A G O , when I was a student teacher, I was filled with the same excitement and trepidation that I now witness in the first-year teachers with whom I work. For me, a mentor made all the difference: Mr. Antenore led fascinating discussions that made history relevant to his students, and he taught courageously for justice before doing so was celebrated. What's more, he gave me — a new teacher — the space to take intellectual risks, the right support when I was strug- gling, and capacity-building resources that have stayed with me throughout my career. I often wonder what would've happened if I had lost the student teaching lottery and been assigned a less-skilled mentor. What if I didn't have access to an environment where equity and social justice were centered? Would I still be a teacher? After a decade and a half in education, having mentored multiple student teachers and taught social studies methods to dozens more, I have concluded that what makes mentors like Mr. Antenore special is that they honor their mentees' humanity, model teacher leadership, and embody humility, courage and care. We can all apply these principles to become more effective mentors in our own practice. 1. Honor the humanity of your mentee Great mentors see their mentees as equals and partners in the work of empowering students, and they collaborate with them to create the most effective professional development plan possible. I remember asking Mr. Antenore to leave the classroom from time to time during my student teaching journey so that I could develop my own voice and create bet- ter relationships with my students. He was always supportive Monica Melton/Unsplash 5 Principles of Effective Mentors Great mentors cultivate core competencies in themselves and their mentees via a collaborative, supportive relationship By Juan Francisco Resendez 42 cta.org Teaching & Learning