Supporting new teachers in your building

It seems as though no matter where you live, there are many new faces appearing in your teachers’ lounge. Even if supporting new teachers is not part of your official job description, mentoring might be a big part of your year! Read on for some ways to effectively influence others, six mentor structures, and a few of our favorite resources. Mix and match what you need to create great learning experiences for everyone. After all, sometimes the best PD is the teacher down the hall!

Influencing new teachers

It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of ALL educational coaching and mentoring is student improvement – which is actually influenced by teacher happiness and knowledge! Here are ways to move the needle with varying levels of involvement:

Mentoring structures for new teachers

There are so many ways to organize mentoring and coaching “events” within your school community. If you are a literacy coach, you may have required settings for coaching already. If you are able to create a comprehensive plan, though, you may think about incorporating one or more of these:

Download a clickable copy here:

Resources for supporting new teachers

​One of our most read blogs (with a freebie download) is about building teacher-led training called Breakfast Club. It has been the most valuable training structure we’ve implemented in the past two decades! Teachers feel connected to their learning and are invested in their growth. The best part is – it doesn’t have to be “admin driven” or even “specialist led”! Anyone can facilitate the creation!

Some of our favorite books for supporting you as a literacy coach and mentor are these books:

Posters, just for fun

These posters grace our office walls as a reminder that no matter if we are working with students or with our peers, we are all learning and growing.

But what if you don’t WANT to be a mentor?

It is arguably a stressful time for everyone remaining in teaching. If you truly can’t take on any level of assistance to a new staff member, be honest with anyone who asks you to take on the responsibility. It is more than okay to set boundaries with your time and energy. Of course you can be kind in your response, and then fall back on being “the good roommate.” Be mindful of their needs as a new staff member, help them with the copy machine and email and.all.the.things…and help them remember to take attendance! Just being empathetic and open can go a long way in helping those entering this profession or campus during this changing time, and your kindness may be just the “mentoring” they need that day!

What about you? Are your schools expecting you to be a mentor, unofficially or officially?