On this final episode in this series on More Than Mentoring, we welcome Arizona K12 Center Executive Director Daniela Robles and Assistant Director of Induction and Mentoring Kathleen Paulsen back to the podcast.

They reflect on themes through this season and discuss the role of mentors and what formal mentorship means for the enhanced practice and sustainability of educators across Arizona.

Daniela recognizes how there is both an art, that includes the relationship component of mentoring, and a science, that leans into data collection and student learning, to mentoring. Balancing these appropriately requires intellectual preparation, she notes. Daniela and Kathleen then unpack what intellectual preparation is and what that looks like for both mentors and the teachers they mentor.

Daniela and Kathleen close this episode by sharing their encouragement and thoughts as we close one school year and look ahead to the next.

Continue your learning

After listening to this episode, use the reflection guide to explore how you might further connect students to community and co-design learning opportunities unique to your location. Find the reflection guide at this link.

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center at azk12.org.

On this episode of 3Ps in a Pod, we continue our conversation with mentor Inez Ramirez, NBCT, from Maricopa Unified School District — this time, with one of her teacher mentees, Anthony Gonzalez.

Through the episode, Inez and Anthony share with host Juliana Urtubey, NBCT, and discuss with each other how they worked together through the past year and the ways Inez’ instructional mentoring support has had a deep impact on Anthony and his students.

Inez and Anthony’s conversation centers on some specific ways that they have been working to strengthen Anthony’s instructional practices. This dynamic mentor-mentee duo guides us through their year-long learning journey together and touches on specific elements of Anthony’s practice that they have focused on to create a more engaging environment for students and strengthen the impact of Anthony’s teaching on his students.

The podcast closes with Anthony reflecting on the past school year and the ways he has built his “toolbox.” He shares with us how others are helping him to reflect and continue to grow as he learns how to apply new skills in his instructional practice. Anthony reminds us of the importance of reflection as we continue to grow and evolve as professionals and calls us to be open to learning and talking about our practice.

Continue your learning

After listening to this episode, use the reflection guide to explore how you might further connect students to community and co-design learning opportunities unique to your location. Find the reflection guide at this link.

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center at azk12.org.

On this episode of 3Ps in a Pod, you will meet Inez Ramirez, NBCT, a mentor with the Maricopa Unified School District. Inez walks us through her role as an instructional mentor for beginning teachers and the ways mentoring supports teachers in her district. She shares how she not only differentiates the support she provides but the various ways that she meets the needs of her mentees and maximizes their time spent connecting. Host Juliana Urtubey, NBCT, and Inez reinforce that the mentor-mentee support structures are built on trusting relationships.

As a mentor through the Arizona K12 Center's Arizona New Teacher Support Program, Inez worked on a case study about her mentorship of one teacher in particular this past year. She shares a bit about how she worked with that teacher, Anthony Gonzalez. Inez also provides advice on how to avoid stressors that are inevitable for teachers. Anthony's growth demonstrates the ways instructional mentoring can help strengthen the impact of early career educators.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode when we will hear from both Inez and her mentee Anthony about their work together through the past year.

Continue your learning

After listening to this episode, use the reflection guide to further explore and apply the power of mentoring. Find the reflection guide at this link.

Learn more about Joellen Killion's work Are You Coaching Heavy or Light? and Coaching heavy, coaching light: How to deepen professional practice.

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center's professional learning opportunities and mentoring and induction support at azk12.org.