ToC Mentorship Program
November 2023
I Promise Statements
Our building community activity.
Tonya M. Sconiers
Our personable and impactful presenter.
ToC Mentorship People
Our group who is missing Alex and Kelsey.
Teachers of Color Mentorship Program Meeting #3
On November 11th, the participants of the Teachers of Color Mentorship Program had the privilege to welcome and listen to guest speaker, Tonya M. Sconiers. She has 30+ years of experience in educational leadership, coaching, professional development, and training in multiple environments. She spent 10 years in the classroom teaching 5th grade and 20 years as high school Assistant Principal and Principal. The presentation took place at the Learning Commons of Eastview High School where the facilities were set up to meet our needs. Program participants started the session by connecting with one another and sharing the successes and challenges of the year so far. Participants heard the presentation called “Educating-in-Color: The Art of Surviving, Striving, and Thriving” which focused on many aspects of the teacher of color context such as “imposter syndrome,” “from pet to threat,” and “culturally responsive teaching”. The session was a reminder of the big challenges that teachers of color have to overcome and it was also a time to reflect on and affirm the talents that all of these teachers share with their students on a daily basis. Attendees can access resources from that day by clicking here.
Ways to Connect
In the book, "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle," authors Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski (2019) stated that the proportion of teachers who are moderately or highly burned out is 20-30 percent. Herbert J. Freudenberger coined the term burnout in 1975 and defined it as the sum of three components:
- Emotional exhaustion - the fatigue that comes from caring too much, for too long
- Depersonalization - the depletion of empathy, caring, and compassion
- Decreased sense of accomplishment - an unconquerable sense of futility or a feeling that nothing you do matters or makes a difference (Nagoski & Nagoski, 2019, p. xi)
Burnout is a strong predicator of attrition among new teachers. Mentors can help by providing emotional support using the following strategies:
- Engage in active and supportive listening.
- Check in regularly.
- Validate the new teacher's feelings.
- Send encouraging messages.
- Celebrate successes.
- Offer alternative communication opportunities.
- Provide self-care resources (e.g. manage your time, ask for help, express gratitude, limit social media).
- Share strategies for closing the stress cycle (e.g. physical activity, breathing, laughter, creative expression).
Source: "Supporting Beginning Teachers" by Tina H. Boogren, Chapter 5: Emotional Support
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.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Silver Bell Learning Center, the Peer Leader Room
Which of the 4 Contexts have you been doing?
- Get Attention
- Engage
- Set up for Stamina
- Support Success
With which of the 12 foundational skills have you been using with success? With some struggles? Some skills include, Create a To Do List, Check for Task Understanding, and Set Stamina.
Our next Catalyst Professional Development will be on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Silver Bell Learning Center, the Peer Leader Room. If you were in the morning group at the Catalyst PD on October 10, 2023, you will attend the morning session on January 17, 2024. If you were in the afternoon group at the last Catalyst PD, you will attend the afternoon session on January 17, 2024. Yen Huynh-Vue has sent a calendar invite to the Teachers of Color Mentorship Program Participants and guests.
District 196 Strategic Roadmap
The work of the Teachers of Color Mentorship Program aligns with 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
What does SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) look like in a classroom or at a meeting? In this SNAPSHOT: The SEL 3 Signature Practices, you can learn how to implement SEL practices in your classroom and meetings. If you are ready to learn more, check out the SEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook.
Achievement
Equity
In the article, "Teach Up for Equity and Excellence," author Carol Ann Tomlinson reminds readers to move from a "pedagogy of poverty" to a "pedagogy of plenty." Read more to learn how to provide equitable access for all learners.
Resources
Missed a Newsletter?
They are located on the Equity and Inclusion Department Website.