Many mentors have had a profound impact on my life. My parents provided a strong foundation when I was young and always supported me in initiatives, decisions, and activities. Additionally, while growing up my coaches instilled instruction and principles that were transferable in every aspect of my life both personally and professionally. Ultimately these roles models promoted principles such as work ethic and responsibility that have allowed me success and a great platform to promote to students and employees within our organization.
My mentor was truly exceptional in the classroom. She engaged every student, was very motivational, held high standards, and taught to all learning styles. She taught me that an educator is much more than just someone who teaches, but someone who changes lives.
Shannon,
It is great when folks talk about their parents as the primary mentors. My dad was mine.
Jeffrey Schillinger
David,
Thanks for this post. What were one or two of the specific things your mentor did to be motivational in her classroom?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have had many mentors throughout my life. Some were life mentors like my Mother who was in Education for over 30 years and taught me the importance of good education while maintaining excellent grades. Once I had succeeded in my educational goals, it has led me to professional mentors in my field who have given me invaluable guidance, advice and opportunities to help me realize my dreams and to always strive for more!
Loren,
What were some of the specific things your Mother did to clearly indicate her values relative to education?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Likely one of the more commonplace misunderstandings frequently made is to pigeonhole everyone into the same mold, so to speak. In other words, my mentors understood my needs and never submitted me to a generic coaching plan rationalizing it will be effectively comprehensive in all scenarios. What inspires one individual may be quite uninspiring to another. In addition, my mentors where never some nonentity in an isolated administrative area somewhere. These were individuals that were highly regarded, and invariably showed me how to be a leader who is respected and is perceived to have the individual’s best interests at heart.
Richard,
Thank ouu for this thoughtful post.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I've had many mentor but the one who help me move from my previous job into education inspired me through leadership and he believed that I could make that transition.
Troy,
What are some specific things your mentor did to show he believed in you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
In my career I have had the opportunity to experience a variety of mentors. Many have modeled highly desirable traits while others displayed characteristics that do not always yield sustainable or desired results. In both instances I was able to derive a wealth of knowledge. Beyond modeling appropriate "industry" behaviors (leading by example), I believe it is equally important to recognize and coach behaviors or actions that may not be considered desirable for students. While an individual students personality, motivation, experience and potential may vary, I believe that it is equally important to merge essential learning objectives with appropriate industry standards in order to meet the goal of delivering a valuable curriculum and providing students with sustainable career values and characteristics which they can carry with them.
In my career I have had the opportunity to experience a variety of mentors. Many have modeled highly desirable traits while others displayed characteristics that do not always yield sustainable or desired results. In both instances I was able to derive a wealth of knowledge. Beyond modeling appropriate "industry" behaviors (leading by example), I believe it is equally important to recognize and coach behaviors or actions that may not be considered desirable for students. While an individual students personality, motivation, experience and potential may vary, I believe that it is equally important to merge essential learning objectives with appropriate industry standards in order to meet the goal of delivering a valuable curriculum and providing students with sustainable career values and characteristics which they can carry with them.
Peter,
One of themosy valuable things a career college faculty member brings tothe classroom is the career-specific experience in things not "covered by the book." Students can learn from your successes and failures.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I can think of one mentor that influenced many things in my life, a childhood friend Magen. She has always remained positive about life and her career opportunities. Throughout our life we have been through many struggles and she has always been my voice of reason. She has always been the strength in every decision I made. When I thought I couldn't do something she was there to make sure that not only did she tell me I could, but she made me believe I could. This has influenced me in many ways because it has changed my perspective on what I can accomplish and how to talk with others to always push them to strive to be their best. This was a life long lesson that I will be happy to share with everyone.
Christina,
What are one or two specific things you do to position yourself as a potential mentor for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I often refer to many of the greats such as Bob Hope, Norman Schwarzkopf, and Norman Vincent Peale these men sought out to use compassion heart and change the world for the better by serving others before themselves. These men inspire me to live my life in that matter from the smallest of actions such as a simple smile to a career change that lead me to become a body worker. When faced with challenges in my life I often step back and ask myself how can I help this person or situation come to a solution that will diminish both our stress?
Nicholas,
Interesting post. Most individuals define mentors as someone with whom they had a presonal relationship who impacted their lives. Who was one of your mentors under this definition?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was my high school English teacher. I had a rough time in my senior year and she stayed with me throughout. She checked up on me one on one and also keep track of my progress with my other classes. She also went above and beyond by coming to my home and tutoring me when I could not attend. She made me want to be someone's mentor.
My mentor has assisted me in countless ways both personally and professionally. My career would not be where it is without her guidance and suggestions.
We, as educators, would do well to mentor students.
Lindy,
What are some things that you have taken from your mentor that you intentionally do to position yourself as a potential mentor for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
