Mentoring

I spent this morning at my school. I know, trying to get out of that procrastination mode. 

I spent a little time in my room - and then some time helping a co-teacher.

I'm excited that this year I'm going to be the mentor for our new 2nd grade teacher. 

 

She is a sweetie - excited, wanting to do everything, thinking things through - I think she's going to be a good teacher. 

She's moving into a classroom that has been empty - you know how those are. One closet shelf was full of kindergarten stuff - into the freebie bin it goes! And dictionaries - she probably had 30 of those. Give some of those away. Several boxes of division flash cards - not going to need those. Her students chairs don't all match - it doesn't seem to bother her.

I finally had to go. I felt like I was a tornado - just create a mess and I'm gone.

I do feel for her - she'd like to know her schedule - still a big secret. She'd like to know names of her students - still a big secret. 

Today, I realized I need to be careful not to overwhelm her. Which is hard, because it seems like there is so much she needs to know. So I'm trying to think, what can wait.

Anyway, wondering, what do you think a good mentor does? Is there any advice you'd like to share? What was the best thing your mentor teacher did or said? Help me make this a good year for my new co-teacher.
And Thanks!