Last Thursday, Teacher Forum asked SC Teacher of the Year Jenna Hallman to speak at our meeting after school. The topic? MENTORING! How perfect! She told the story of her path into the teaching profession and described her harrowing first year in the classroom. It was nice to hear that even award winning teachers have off years!
She spoke of her first year in a lonely mobile, isolated from the daily scoop, not to mention assistance from other teachers. (I couldn’t help but think of CERRA’s Jason Fulmer and his mobile #15!) It was so bad for her, when contracts were issued at the end of her first year, she actually had no intention of signing it. Can you imagine?
However, one thing kept her from leaving education: an unassigned mentor named Kelly. Kelly reached out to her and offered supplies, advice, strategies and friendship at a time when Jenna said she needed it most. Not only did Jenna sign that contract, she went on to capture the “crown” of eduaction, the state TOY title, touching the lives of many along the way.
As Jenna’s story drew to an end, she left us with one challenge: to be a “Kelly” to someone. I know that our assigned mentors are doing a great job with their new teachers, but I hope we are all – assigned or otherwise – trying to be a “Kelly” to another teacher. Always remember that we all have different strengths and there could be someone in your building or someone who is just an email away who could use your assistance, input or maybe even just a kind word and smile.
As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Obviously, you were chosen to be a mentor because you have much to give. Keep on doing what you do best, and be the spark that rekindles someone’s flame. Who knows…..you could be saving another Jenna.
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