Personal Development
Why every teacher needs a mentor
and how to choose one
By Maryann Reid
D
ays filled with demanding
schedules leave little room
for daydreams or sorting out
personal goals. One by one, we
see the months pass, as we get older
with each year. You may also realize
that ideas which worked one year, may
not work the next. Confusion abounds
when we don’t have a plan, a strategy,
a way to thrive; not just survive.
The best teachers have a plan for their
career or second life. They know, like
their students that they can’t do it
alone. They need someone to provide
them with the structure, guidance,
and blueprint to get what they need
accomplished. Just because a teacher
can do this for his/her students, does
not mean he/she knows how to do it
for himself/herself.
A mentor is great at stepping in
to help you brainstorm, plan, and
strategise next steps to write a book,
start a nonprofit, keep you focused
on financial goals, give advice, and
plant the seeds with you along the
way. Choosing the right mentor can
transform your mindset, income level,
self-confidence and social status.
Here are a few tips to guide you in
choosing the right mentor:
• Avoid choosing friends as mentors,
as critical advice can challenge your
friendship.
• Choose a professional you have
worked with in the past, or would
like to work with in the future.
• Research the movers and shakers in
your organisation or city, and get to
know them.
• Attend events that are high profile
and shake hands with decision
makers, often.
• Do not ask anyone to be your
mentor, offer value first–give before
you get.
Choosing the right mentor takes time
if you are doing the research on your
own. If you are a person who listens to
your gut, you’ll find one sooner. Read
books, magazines, and track down your
favourite thought leaders, and contact
them. LinkedIn, the local Chamber of
Commerce, professional associations,
former teachers, and leaders in your
organisation are the best places to find
a mentor. Pick someone who is in line
with your spiritual beliefs and personal
values. Interview them, research them
and listen to them.
Oftentimes, mentors will not do the
work. The work is up to you, and you
must implement what you learn and
the advice you are given. You must
still get your hands dirty to take
control of your life, and demand the
best results from yourself. This is a
process that takes work, and even the
strongest minds find it challenging to
be consistent. A good mentor makes
sure you stay consistent.
You are only as good as your last class.
To remain exceptional as a person, not
just a teacher, you need to constantly
evolve outside of your social circle,
and comfort zone. It is there where
you find yourself.
Maryann Reid, bestselling author and
personal coach, shows teachers how to
practice extreme self-care and launch
their goals.
She can be reached at
www.maryannreidinc.com.