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Is mentorship something you’ve considered as part of your role as a Christian educator? Why or why not?
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I have not really considered mentorship as part of my 2nd grade educator role. I have viewed mentorship as something done primarily with older students who are more mature and able to take more responsibility for their learning. I do consider myself more as a model or guide. Perhaps as my students grow older, opportunities for mentorship will arise.
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Yes, it is something that I try to do. I would like to do more, but it does take time and energy; therefore, I think is is okay to not do too much.
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Yes. The very thing that draws me to being a Christian educator in a Christian school is being able to share the love of Christ and to prepare my students spiritually. It goes back to this being not just a job, but a service that allows me to contribute to the Lord’s kingdom. So to answer the question, yes, mentorship is something I’ve very much considered, as I want to be a trusted mentor to my students. I want to disciple their hearts and provide guidance as a trusted adult in their lives.
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I have considered mentorship but have never made it a formal arrangement. I have often had students who came back to me year after year looking for advice or help on current projects and I always make myself available to them.
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Mentorship is definitely something that is part of being a Christian educator. I believe at the elementary level I see it more broadly then perhaps someone who teaches secondary students and might meet specifically with a couple students. I feel everyday I have small opportunities to mentor each of the students in my care. From my experience, these moments happen most often when I am not actually teaching students, but having a conversation at lunch or after school while we wait for parents to pickup. Their ears are more ready to hear what you have to say if the atmosphere is one where they can see you as something other than their teacher. Sometimes there are opportunities to discuss deeper things with my course and I love to take those moments to slowly help them grow as believers who care about others and are learning to minister themselves.