Maybe this is your first year teaching - or maybe you have been teaching long enough to have children of former students in your class. Whatever your age, experience, subject area or personality, you could benefit from the guidance of a mentor.

We often think of mentors as “coaches” only for those new in the field. We look to them to help us navigate the labyrinth of the education system, and slowly but surely they fade into the background as we get our own footing.

But what if we looked at mentors in a different light? What if a mentor was someone who could give you personal and emotional support to withstand the daily trials of teaching? What if a mentor was someone who understood your situation, but was removed enough to give you honest and practical advice? Could you use someone to take on a bit of the burden you carry? Now is the time to connect with a mentor.

Take a few minutes and jot down a list of people you respect and admire. They may be teachers, administrators, or leaders in other fields. Consider how they might be able to provide you support, encouragement, and a breath of fresh air this year.

Next, consider how you would specifically like them to help you. If they are also in the education field, you might ask them to drop by your classroom once a month and help you find ways to become more efficient and purposeful in your work. Or maybe you schedule lunch once a month to share joys, concerns, and brainstorm new ideas.

Now I know what you might be thinking, “I already have people I confide in!” That is wonderful! But I would encourage you to make it official. Identify that one person who could help you grow this year, contact them, and specifically ask them if they would be willing to be your mentor. I got a call a few months ago, with a young woman asking that very question, “Would you mind being my mentor through this new experience?” I was honored and so happy to help in any way I could. It made me realize that I need to do the same thing. So I share this challenge with you: find a mentor and make an intentional commitment to grow as an educator. I’ll take up the challenge along with you. All we have to do now is make the call!