Introduction

Journal writing is meant to be spontaneous, rather than polished; it is as though you were talking with a good friend who listens without judgment. Thus, do not worry about grammar, punctuation or spelling, just write and see what happens. Simply read the prompt, reflect upon it and write. If you prefer, you may video your response and submit it via Studio - just be sure you respond to all required questions.

Journal Prompt

The use of mentors and peer-coaching systems to encourage both personal and professional growth in staff members is an excellent strategy that can be adapted from the business world quite successfully. As a director, you are immediately elevated to the position of mentor - ready or not. Moving toward a model of facilitative leadership at a center requires a strong staff who are energized by a shared vision; the successful leader functions as a mentor in order to actualize that vision.

After reading the following quotation from an experienced director on her successful application of the strategy of mentoring, consider the questions concerning mentors. Respond to at least one question from the listing and conclude your entry by responding to the final, highlighted prompt in a paragraph or two.

"I learned from one of my board members who lived in the corporate world that I should think of myself as a CEO and mentor my lead teachers as my vice presidents. Strange as that sounded at first, it became a good strategy. I directed most of my mentoring energy to them and told them to do likewise with the staff in their rooms. I brought them current research, ideas, articles, and information from the community. We attended conferences as a group and we continued to talk about what we were learning and what we still needed to know. I was responsive to their ideas and issues while continually requiring them to take one more step to grow."

Questions to promote thinking and writing about mentors

• What does it mean to be a mentor?
• How is a mentor different from a leader? How is it the same?
• Who have been the mentors in your life?
• What are some of the more valuable things you learned from your mentors?
• What do you wish your mentor had taught you?

*As a future mentor, how will you support your staff members as adult learners?