
Michael Hardisky
Lankenau Environmental Magnet High School
Grades 11 and 12 Chemistry and Anatomy
Teaching Experience
18 years at Lankenau
What skills or qualities are needed for teachers to be effective in your classroom?
I choose to be a TTR mentor, because after 18 years I am tired of teaching secondary eduction and would love to teach post-secondary eduction. I have always dreamed of teaching at a university like father and step-mother do. By being a TTR mentor, this gives me an opportunity to practice teaching adult learners until my time comes to move to the post-secondary level.
Why did you choose to be a TTR mentor?
I choose to be a TTR mentor as I enjoy working with a prospective new teacher. I enjoy the dynamic interaction between two adults with the common goal of making effective, and engaging lessons.
The foundation of a positive mentor-resident relationship
The foundation of a positive mentor to resident relationship is communication and mindfulness. An example of communication is daily discussions on what the resident did well, and where the resident needs to improve. This also includes discussions on planning, organizational skills and checks for student understanding. I have even gone as far as calling my resident over the weekend to ensure that they are ready to begin the following week. An example of mindfulness is inviting my resident over the summer to come to the building, meet me and see the classroom, the building and provide the resident with an overall lay of the land. When it comes to mindfulness, one must consider what the resident is going through. Consider, if you where in there position, what would you want to know? Or have? (like keys to the classroom, or even the bathroom would be nice). Be mindful of what the resident doesn’t know and consider the best approach to teaching them that skill.
What have you learned from your previous or current mentees?
My current resident has taught me more about myself and my practice then I have ever thought possible. My resident has provided me with a perspective that I have long forgotten. My resident has reminded me how I would have changed all of the mistakes that I have made over the years, and has given me an opportunity to teacher others on how to avoid the same mistakes.
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