Next steps

Well, I met with my potential mentee one more time and I just don't see the mentoring relationship developing between us. I was really hoping it would work out, but I think that my other idea of mentoring my co-teacher might be better. I have worked with my co-teacher for 7 years. We teach fifth grade. We spend time together regularly planning and checking in with one another. There are only two fifth grade classes at my school, so it makes it really easy to get to know your partner.

We have a big decision ahead of us regarding our school's future technology program. We really don't have much to speak of, but we do have some money to purchase new equipment. One idea is to buy a class set of laptops for the fifth grade classes. This might be the right avenue for us, but my partner teacher isn't too tech savvy. In fact, she doesn't really use it in her own life, let alone her class. She does allow the students to use the computers in her room and she does use the computer lab as a way to support the student's learning in her class. However, this is much different than having access to a mobile wireless lab.

My idea is to help her become more confident with her technology skills. I hope that our time together will be productive. I hope that I can help her along the way in her journey.

Dilemma

Today I spent an hour with my potential mentee. Although we are both involved in our Master's, it doesn't seem like we have much more in common. I know that we do, but the time spent seemed a little fake and forced. I don't know if this is the right direction for me to take because there is a lack of connection. I also want to see a more reciprocal relationship. I don't want to just spend time troubleshooting her technology issues. I don't know what to do!

Potential Mentee

I am in a bit of a quandary regarding my mentee selection. My first potential mentee is a middle-aged teacher with about 20+ years of teaching experience. She has just begun an online Master's program and is a little overwhelmed with the technology (like figuring out how to submit assignments). I offered to help her before the winter break and when I spoke with her after break, she seemed open to me helping her. So at this point, do I ask her, "hey, can I mentor you for my class?" or do I let it take its course and see what happens?
Another potential idea is to create a CoP of teachers with the common goal of implementing a wireless laptop program at our school site.

Mentor Reflection

It is amazing to see the correlation between mentors and personal success in life. When I think about mentors, I wonder if it ever ends? Is there ever a point in your life when you don't need or have a mentor? When is it most critical to have a mentor? What happens to people when they do not have mentors? It seems to me that people without positive role models or mentors are less successful than people who do have positive role models.