Episode 72: Mentor Opportunities from Virtually Anywhere: How To Be an Outstanding Digital Mentee

As teachers, we wear many hats: educator, support system, advocate, mentor. But how many of us--even knowing the benefits--participate actively in a relationship in which we are being mentored?

It goes without saying that we are big proponents of on-going professional development--after all, it's why we host The Total Teacher Summit each year. But many teachers mistakenly don't realize that being part of a mentor/mentee relationship can be an extension of that type of PD. It can be a way to combat the isolation so common in the field of education. It can be a way to take care of ourselves.

And it doesn't need to take place in person.

In this episode, we debunk some of the most pervasive myths about mentorship, and we focus on how to be a good mentee when your mentor is only someone you know in the digital space. Viewing those Teacher influencers we look up to on social media as mentors rather than individuals we follow reframes the conversation about who can be mentors--and we share some ideas on how to give back so these are the mutually beneficial relationships that the mentor/mentee experience should be.

In this episode, you'll hear:

-Why you probably already have a virtual "mentor" but you'd never put that label on it before

-Why passively "liking" posts is not enough--and what you should do instead

-How to ask questions in a way that truly helps the mentor

Links mentioned:

-Episode 30: How To Be A Good Mentor/Mentee

https://anchor.fm/edverything/episodes/Episode-30-A-How-To-Guide-For-Being-A-Good-MentorMentee-e3oufk

-Guest blog post link

https://www.teachonamission.com/blog

Ashley Bible @BuildingBookLove

https://www.instagram.com/buildingbooklove/

Mandy Rice @TeachOnAMission

https://www.instagram.com/teachonamission/

Macy Gilson @MacyGilson

https://www.instagram.com/macy.gilson/

Cara Piper @VirtualElementary

https://www.instagram.com/virtualelementaryteachers/