There’s nothing like a ThinkTank, particularly an objective ThinkTank that isn’t concerned with what you are teaching or how your classroom looks, but is concerned with you finding yourself, guiding you before any sort of "burn out" sets in. In this episode I wanted to explore the mentoring of new teachers, supporting those who are new to the profession before they leave, never really having gotten started. I always half-jokingly say how in my first 3 years of teaching I was terrible. There was so much, so fast; so many students to try and manage; there is grading and meetings, and you just have to hold on. It’s difficult to find out who you are as a teacher in those early years.

So we sit down with educator, David Popp, who has an idea that is an echo of a mastermind group, but aimed at new teachers to help them figure out who they really want to be in the classroom; to help them take risks; to help them realize their talent and stick with the profession. 

As always, if you like the podcast be sure to share it and continue to find us on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

You can read more about David's idea of mentoring on the Teaching Flashpoint blog, "Walks Along the Mentor Beach".

Additional Reading:

"Why Every Teacher Needs a Mastermind Group" by John Spencer

"Creating a Teacher-Driven Professional Development Program" by Laura McCullogh