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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:19 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Happy Wednesday, everybody.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:23 Welcome back to another day of Your Morning Boost. We are so fortunate again
00:00:23 --> 00:00:27 to have our special guest with us this week, Aaron King, the founder of Inspired
00:00:27 --> 00:00:30 Education and the host of the Teacher's Pep Rally podcast.
00:00:30 --> 00:00:33 Welcome back to the show, Erin. Thank you. You know, Erin, I saw that today
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 is National Be a Millionaire Day.
00:00:35 --> 00:00:38 And as educators, I think we can all relate to that one, right?
00:00:38 --> 00:00:44 Well, in spirit, maybe, of course. But let's get to today's topic. Erin, take it away.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:47 Great. Today, we're going to talk about mentorship is leadership,
00:00:48 --> 00:00:49 the secret to stronger schools.
00:00:53 --> 00:00:56 We're diving into one of the most underrated levers
00:00:56 --> 00:00:59 for school success mentorship whether formal or
00:00:59 --> 00:01:03 informal mentorship has the power to shape careers
00:01:03 --> 00:01:08 prevent burnout and build school cultures that last if you're leading a campus
00:01:08 --> 00:01:12 mentoring new hires or just wondering how to better support your staff you're
00:01:12 --> 00:01:17 in the right place let's talk about how investing in people pays off i've been
00:01:17 --> 00:01:21 fortunate to have many mentors in my own life people who have offered guidance,
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 challenged me to grow, and believed in me before I believed in myself.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 That network of trusted voices became my sounding board.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:33 But the key wasn't just their experience. It was their ability to listen,
00:01:33 --> 00:01:38 provide honest feedback, and model what it means to stay curious and compassionate.
00:01:38 --> 00:01:41 Now imagine if every new or experienced teacher had that.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:47 For school leaders, mentorship is not just a nice-to-have, it's a leadership strategy.
00:01:47 --> 00:01:51 Teachers who are mentored are more likely to stay in the profession,
00:01:51 --> 00:01:55 navigate challenges more confidently, and pass that support forward.
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 Think of it like a compound interest.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:00 The investment grows exponentially.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:04 So how do we do it well? First, make mentorship intentional.
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 Don't just pair teachers with who's ever free.
00:02:08 --> 00:02:12 Align personalities, content areas, or even teaching philosophies.
00:02:12 --> 00:02:18 Consider building mentoring teams across grade levels or departments to ensure multiple supports.
00:02:18 --> 00:02:23 Second, normalize two-way mentorship. Veteran teachers have wisdom,
00:02:23 --> 00:02:27 but newer teachers bring fresh ideas and modern practices.
00:02:27 --> 00:02:32 Let them co-lead conversations. Let them show you what they're learning.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:35 It builds respect and keeps your culture energized.
00:02:36 --> 00:02:40 Third, celebrate the small wins. Educators, whether fresh out of college or
00:02:40 --> 00:02:44 having a longstanding career, are often overwhelmed.
00:02:44 --> 00:02:48 Make a point to highlight when something goes well, even if it's small.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:51 Did they try a new classroom management trick? Celebrate it.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:55 Did they send a positive parent email? Celebrate that too.
00:02:56 --> 00:03:01 Fourth, talk openly about work-life balance. Help your teachers see that good
00:03:01 --> 00:03:03 boundaries are not a sign of weakness.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:05 They are a strategy for longevity.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:11 Model it, talk about it, prioritize it. And here's one we don't talk about enough.
00:03:12 --> 00:03:13 Mentors need support too.
00:03:14 --> 00:03:17 If someone in your building is pouring in others, check in on them.
00:03:18 --> 00:03:24 Create reflection spaces, offer time, offer training. They are culture builders
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 and we can't afford to let them burn out.
00:03:27 --> 00:03:33 Here are three ways to strengthen your mentoring culture right now. Start a mentorship map.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:38 Identify your unofficial mentors and build a network. Don't just rely on formal pairings.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:44 Build a mentor toolbox. Offer simple templates, questions, or check-in protocols
00:03:44 --> 00:03:46 so mentors and mentees have structure.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 Share stories, highlight mentoring wins during staff meetings,
00:03:51 --> 00:03:54 newsletters, to build a culture of support.
00:03:54 --> 00:03:57 Mentorship is not an extra, it's a multiplier.
00:03:58 --> 00:04:03 It boosts retention, deepens culture, and helps every teacher feel seen and valued.
00:04:04 --> 00:04:07 And when teachers feel supported, students thrive.
00:04:11 --> 00:04:14 Let's lead with listening guide with heart and
00:04:14 --> 00:04:17 build the kind of schools we want to be mentored in
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 that is your morning boost for today i hope
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 it fills you with inspiration and hope and i
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 look forward to the conversation tomorrow thanks again to aaron king for spending
00:04:27 --> 00:04:30 this week with us on your morning boost that is great stuff aaron we are learning
00:04:30 --> 00:04:34 so much from you i really appreciate it thanks for listening boosters we will
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 talk with you again tomorrow you have been listening to your Morning Boost by
00:04:37 --> 00:04:41 AWB Education in partnership with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:41 --> 00:04:46 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:51 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:51 --> 00:04:55 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.