Use Retired Teachers as Mentors

In How Long Since You Were in a Classroom? From Ideas and Thoughts, Dean Shareski shares,

“Certainly tools and context changes but the foundational principles do not.”

Many retired teachers can be such a valuable resource! They have the experience and knowledge that needs to be shared with newer teachers. These mentors would understand what the newer teachers are going through.

I think it would be a great idea to ask retired teachers to volunteer as mentors for newer teachers. Wouldn’t it be great for these newer teachers to have someone they could talk to about their concerns without worrying about being judged by their colleagues? Here is someone they can express their frustration, share their joys, and ask for advice.

If a newer teacher is interested in bouncing ideas for a new lesson, this mentor would be a great person to work with. When I was growing up, my mother always would tell me that two heads were better than one. This would be a perfect example of this. Non-teachers don’t understand what is involved in lesson planning.

If a newer teacher is frustrated by the lack of support in the school or parents, this mentor would understand because every teacher has felt this way. Maybe the mentor would be able to give suggestions to help alleviate this frustration. Non-teachers don’t always understand the obstacles that teachers face in the classroom.

If a newer teacher is excited about success in the classroom, this mentor would understand the feeling of joy and satisfaction. Non-teachers don’t always understand that wonderful feeling that teachers experience when a student is successful.

I believed more school systems should invite retired teachers into some kind of mentorship. It doesn’t have to be a formal program because that may seem too much like an evaluation. I think a casual pairing between a retired teacher and a new teacher would be a great partnership.

Does your school district have anything like this in place? Please share.