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ToC Mentorship Program
January 2023
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Modeling
What do we look like when we hold our breaths while smiling?
Practicing
How might we show different modes of interaction?
Reflecting
What skills do we need to review and clarify?
Catalyst Training Continued
Teachers of Color Mentorship Program participants and other district program leaders were invited to continue their professional development with The Catalyst Approach. Catalyst Coach, Jamie Tam, once again led the morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session participants started their day by completing the Self-Assessment on page 30 of the Catalyst workbook. The assessment focused on the frequency of Catalyst foundational skills implemented. After completing the assessment participants were asked to share their experiences with implementing the Catalyst practices. Jamie used the information and feedback that was shared to guide the topics for the training session. The afternoon session participants were a mixture of completely new to Catalyst and ongoing Catalyst learners. There was a review/introduction of the neurobiology used to ground Catalyst work.
They learned the rest of the 4 contexts which total 12 foundational skills. They were:
- Get Attention Context: Get Ready | Get Set | Get Notice | Watch and Wait | Anchor with a Whisper
- Engage Context: Signal the Mode | Monitor and Adjust
- Set up for Success Context was shared in the October training.
- Support Success Context: Lead and Empower | Linger and Look Back
Which skills have you been implementing? All participants had the option of furthering their Catalyst implementation by signing up for individual Catalyst coaching. The first Catalyst coaching cycle will be on January 30, 2024 and the next one will be on February 28, 2024. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Ways to Connect
"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what the storm's all about." - Haruki Murakami (2005, pp.5-6).
Dear Mentors,
You and your mentee might be at the end of your "I've-hit-a-wall" disillusionment phase. You might have questioned your self-worth, commitment, and capability...possibly going through imposter syndrome.
Some ways you can help each other are:
- Create a self-care plan. See the Resources section at the end of this newsletter for an example.
- Share things for which you are grateful.
- Listen to learn.
- Participate in mindful movements.
Lastly, you might be preparing for conferences. Remember, Catalyst Coach Jamie has said that we need to regulate ourselves to be ready to regulate our students. What are healthy ways you show up for your students? Supporting each other is one way we show up for our students.
Appreciative of you,
Your Teachers of Color Mentorship Program Coordinators 💙
Use the board to support your monthly check-ins. Mentors, after each check-in, complete the Teachers of Color (T.O.C.) Connection Ticket. One ticket per space covered on the tic-tac-toe board.
Earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Postcards Please
🙋♀️You asked for it, so we are extending the deadline!
⏰ You wanted more time to read 📖 The Pedagogy of Confidence.
- Which High Operational Practices (HOPs) have you tried or would like to try?
- Which gifted and talented development strategies do you use or would like to implement?
- How are you strengthening your students' intellectual capacity?
✍️ Write about it on your postcard!
📬 Mail it to Yen Huynh-Vue, DO (District Office), to earn CEUs!
⌛ DUE: Friday, March 1, 2024
Reclaiming Our Power As Educators of Color Workshop
The next Teachers of Color Mentorship Program meeting will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the School of Environmental Studies, Lobby/Forum. Dinner will be provided.
Come connect with your mentor/mentee partner and participate in Rebecca Slaby's workshop about the impact of stereotype threats on teachers and students of color and the connections to our book, The Pedagogy of Confidence. Read more about the workshop by clicking here.
District 196 Strategic Roadmap
The work of the Teachers of Color Mentorship Program aligns with the District 196 Strategic Roadmap. Resources that are provided align to one or more of the four strategic priorities of Wellbeing, Achievement, Equity, and Resources.
Wellbeing
Create a Self Care Plan
The new year is an opportunity to reflect on what you need most to thrive. Consider taking a moment to center yourself by creating a self care plan. Think of any number of ideas that feel healthy and safe enough for you when considering your physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, personal, and professional wellbeing. You can simply write these down, tuck them away in your brain, or use technology!
Equity
Poverty, Not Race, Fuels the Achievement Gap
This article invites the reader to reflect on the existence of academic achievement gaps and its connection to poverty, not race.
Achievement
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
In her compelling TED Talk titled "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Lee Duckworth delves into the essential qualities that drive success beyond mere talent and intelligence. As a renowned psychologist, Duckworth explores the concept of "grit" and its transformative impact on achieving long-term goals. Drawing from her extensive research and experiences, she sheds light on the significance of passion and resilience in the face of challenges. Join Angela Lee Duckworth as she shares valuable insights into the true ingredients of accomplishment, challenging conventional notions and inspiring audiences to embrace the power of grit in their personal and professional journeys.
Resource
Translating Voice, Text, and Conversations
Have you ever needed to translate voice, text, and/or live conversations? The answer is probably yes. Know that you can use the translate app available on district-issued i-Pads to do those translations. Read the following link for step-by-step instructions: Translate voice, text, and conversations using the translate app on our i-Pads.
Grow Your Own - Adult Pathways Program
"Grow Your Own (GYO) is a teacher preparing program strategy focused on developing and retaining teachers from the local community. GYO is often used to address teacher shortages and increase the diversity of the teacher workforce."
~ New America ~
District 196 GYO-Adult Pathways Program is seeking 15 future teacher candidates & 3 mentor/coaches for the second cohort.
Candidates must be unlicensed staff of color in District 196 or contracted substitute teachers of color who have been working in District 196 for at least one year. Candidates are pursuing/enrolling in one of the following teaching education programs: Bethel University, Concordia University-St. Paul, Metropolitan State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and University St. Thomas. Candidates would receive financial support for tuition and textbooks up to two years and wrap-around services by mentors/coaches.
Mentors/coaches must be licensed staff of color who have worked in District 196 for five or more years or Q-Comp Peer Leaders who have experience with diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work and experience with working while obtaining an additional degree/licensure. Mentors/coaches will be given a stipend to support their GYO candidates, attend whole group cohort meetings, and meet with the program manager as needed.
Interested in becoming a GYO future teacher candidate or mentor/coach? Contact Yen Huynh-Vue in the Equity and Inclusion Department at 651-432-7941 or yen.huynhvue@district196.org.
Missed a Newsletter?
They are located on the Equity and Inclusion Department Website.