Mentors

Mentor: n.: an experienced and trusted adviser.

I participated in an activity this past fall during a protocol training.  During this activity, I was given a blank piece of paper onto which I had to depict, using words and/or images, how I got to where I am today.  On that paper, I drew what ended up looking like a wedding cake, with a solid foundation layer and smaller layers sequentially building on the top, with my current status the smallest layer at the top.  I am not sure that the ever-smaller layering concept is a perfect model, but there were two parts to my diagram that struck me.  One was the solid foundation, which I attributed to my parents and the teachings and opportunities they provided me.  The second was what the layers represented.  Transition from one layer to the next represented a new phase of my educational or professional growth.  And between each layer was a mentor, someone who inspired, trusted in me, and advised me as I extended myself into a new realm of professional growth.

I am so thankful and lucky, as I look back at my growth, to not only have the strong foundation, but to also have had multiple mentors along my journey.

This past week, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a mentor from my early days as a public school educator.  14 years ago, I was teaching middle school science at a private middle school in Cambridge.  After four years of teaching in private schools, I decided that I would really like to work in the public school setting.  I did not yet have children, but felt strongly that when I did, I would like to "put my money where my mouth is" per se, and send them to public schools, investing in the public school system as a parent as well as an educator.

I was missing one thing in the application process.  A Massachusetts teaching certification.  I was willing to get certified; I just hadn't gotten it yet, as my decision to teach in public schools was a new one.  Private schools do not require a teaching certification (although they loved my MA in Earth Science, as I was an earth science teacher).

I applied to one public school, which was Wayland Middle School.  At the time, I was attracted to Wayland both because of its strong education reputation, in addition to being my husband's hometown and a potential site for us to live if/when we could afford it.  So if I was potentially putting down my roots there for a lifetime, then certainly working where my own children would be going to school was a real investment.

And then comes into the picture Richard Schaye.  A man of small build and tremendous spirit.  A man of strong Jewish heritage and family values.  A man of tremendous respect and empathy for others.  A man with a sense of humor.  A storyteller.  A risk taker.  I know he was a risk taker, as he hired this younger, non-licensed version of myself.  And for that, I will always be grateful.

While I might have been unqualified on paper, he believed that I had just the qualifications the science department needed at that time, and claimed he would love to be dragged off to DESE "jail" to make the case for hiring well-qualified teachers who might not have the right paperwork (picture the handcuffs, the police car waiting, and a moment to speak with the press on his way out the school front door).  By doing so, he quickly established an element of trust in me that I had not yet professionally experienced.  What he received from me, in turn, was the perseverance to get licensed and the initiative to prove that he hadn't made a mistake!

Prior to his retirement, I spent three years under his guidance.  And a mentor he became.  The element of trust built from day 1, he continued to share advice with me, guidance, and good humor as I juggled my licensing, class planning, and mothering of my first child.  I looked forward to having him visit my class, as I always got feedback that I appreciated and that helped me to grow.  We also spent hours over the course of these years talking about life in general.  He took the time to get to know me, my family, my history, an shared with me his as well.  I remember being seatmates on a long bus ride to upstate NY on a science field trip, where I heard many a tale of his past and experiences, and also shared with him perspective on what it was like to grow up in a struggling town in upstate NY.

I had not seen Richard for 11 years.  When he arrived in my office this past week, he moved a bit slower, his hair a bit grayer, his sharp memory the slightest bit softened.  I, as well, have my own evidence of change over age.  But what remained steadfast was his spirit, his respect, his humor, and his experiential knowledge.  In my second year as administrator, I was excited to share with him my successes and struggles, and to hear his own perspectives on issues of administration and education.  He was impressed by our school, from the feel of the building to the staff that he met along the way.  He observed me "in action".  He gave me feedback.  Through this conversation I was invigorated and inspired (to update my blog more often is one such inspiration).  A mentor he remains.  But in our newly refined relationship, he is a friend and confidant as well.

I think of my own influence as an administrator.  I am continuously learning and trying to improve myself and my practice, and am reflective as to how I might possibly inspire and mentor staff and students myself.  I think of the wonderful teachers of Coolidge, who are mentors for their students and each other.  I think of our parents, who are working to provide the foundation for our students to build opportunity.  This blog post is a selfish moment to say thank you.  Thank you to my parents, and to all of my mentors who have inspired me to take chances and to be my best self.  And may this post inspire others to take the time to reconnect with, and thank, those who have invested and believed in you in your past.  Our parents, our teachers, our mentors, truly deserve it.