Advice for Mentors
Principal voices from across the nation.
Topics: Mentoring and Coaching
What is the best coaching or mentoring advice you’ve ever received?
Change the view. Shift your perspective from the dance floor to the balcony as needed.
—Lisa Condran, Salish Coast Elementary School, Port Townsend, Washington
Be of good cheer. Smile. It’s the best simple advice ever, and a smile can be used in almost any circumstance.
—Kimberly Miles (@afewthingsworth), East Gresham Elementary School, Gresham, Oregon
Let conflicts mellow. Time also puts out fires.
—Brian Miller (@miller_brian_t), North Middle School, Great Falls, Montana
Empathize with students. When it comes to extreme student behaviors, remember that they are a form of communication. Empathize and understand there might be some trauma involved. Look for root causes, and hopefully get to a solution that will be beneficial for all.
—Brad Luce (@5luce), Centennial Public Schools, Utica, Nebraska
Admit gaps in knowledge. Never hesitate to answer with, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
—Dan Ackland (@dtackland), Garnett Elementary School, Garnett, Kansas
Keep pushing. Anything worthwhile is uphill.
—Katy Kennedy (@ForsythKaty), Washington Middle School, Glendive, Montana
Relationships first. Always build the relationship. Be genuine. And always follow up—do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. Be transparent if your scheduling changes and you miss
an opportunity.
—Anna Claire Parker (@acparker12), Southaven Intermediate School, Southaven, Mississippi
Slow down. I have found that pausing even for a moment makes my decisions better, allows me to collaborate with my team, and motivates others to find their own solutions.
—Jessica Zimmer (@Mrs_J_Zimmer), Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset, New York
Delegate and trust. Learn to delegate; this helps grow leaders. And trust your staff leaders, because you put them in that position.
—Nathaniel Waller Martin (@EEECEnterprise), Brookwood Elementary School, Enterprise, Alabama
Think big-picture. Any time a coach or mentor has reminded me of the “big picture” or “the point” of what I am doing helps me center on my “why.”
—Delaney Rosenberg, Ellis School, Fremont, New Hampshire
Expect the best. Listen, and always assume positive intent.
—Shannon Hamm (@hamm_shamm), Circle Center Grade School, Yorkville, Illinois
Look in the mirror. Be self-reflective.
—Farrell Thomas (@Bold_Leader864), Waterset Charter School, Apollo Beach, Florida
Reflect and model. Give yourself grace and admit mistakes. It’s important to be a reflective practitioner and model reflection.
—Jennifer Bencivengo (@OG870Leaders), Old Greenwich School, Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Gather input. Take your time and gather all the facts and perspectives before you make a decision. Seek the input of others and collaborate. It’s better to make a correct decision slowly.
—Matthew Moyer (@MoyerMatthewD), Rupert Elementary School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
