MENTORING for TEACHERS

          Teaching is amongst the noblest of professions. It could be said of a teacher that they are in charge of 100% of the future - our children. Teaching is also one of the most demanding vocations in the world. If you are a teacher reading this, there are several things that I would like to say to you.

"THANK YOU!"
            &
"I APPRECIATE YOU!"

          Building relationships with children is more important than teaching them. Without a relationship, some students will be unreachable. In his book called "EDUCATING FOR CHARACTER" Thomas Lickona uses this phrase to describe the importance of relationship:

"First you reach 'em, then you teach 'em."

          It is not easy in a large classroom to build fruitful personal relationships with all of your students. Do your best to keep a personal file of all of that you have observed about what makes a student happy, motivated, irritated, sad or angry. To do that I suggest the "BDP Principle."

The BDP Principle

B is for Butterfly. What does your student struggle with? What gives your student freedom? What causes his mood to fly with happiness?

D is for Diamond. What is hard for your student? Is math hard? Are Tuesday's hard? (Maybe he spends Monday nights with Dad who is an alcoholic.) Where does your student shine? What is he brilliant at? All students are gifted, they are just gifted in different ways.

P is for Pearl. What irritates your student? Can you help your student turn his irritant into a pearl? What causes stress and how does your student deal with it?

          A teacher is a mentor of the highest order. Mentoring is done in large groups, small groups and individually. Whenever possible, take the time approach a child individually to build a deeper relationship. Maybe once a week you can invite students to sit with you at lunch. They probably would feel important and honored to be considered worthy of your personal time.

Thanks again for all you do Dear Teacher!

Bob Kuebler
Founder / Mentor Force

Mentor Force is an organization of initiators.
We help young people who are at risk of leading impoverished and violent lives.
We teach teachers, mentors and youth leaders how to build healthy relationships that make young people feel valued. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the benefit of being Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
guided by a Mentor. If we can help you reach your potential as a Mentoring organization please contact us:  716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com We do school assemblies and conferences.