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Jennifer Sharp has been teaching 15 years, the last 13 at Metamora Township High School.
Even with that wealth of experience she is expecting to learn from the eight new teachers starting this school year at the high school. As the new head of the MTHS mentoring program she will have plenty of opportunities to interact with new teachers.
Sharp, a Spanish teacher, has been a mentor for about four years.
“I never thought this job would be a fit for me. The superintendent, Randy Toepke, said I should apply,” Sharp said.
Because of the challenges new teachers face, Sharp said the need for mentors is high.
“They need to manage a classroom, create a curriculum and manage to learn the personalities and culture of the school in two or three months or lose credibility,” Sharp said.
“Sometimes a new teacher just needs a safe place to go.”
Sharp said the culture shock new teachers face as they transition to being a student teacher to teacher is daunting.
“The most immediate change is they are suddenly in control,” Sharp said.
“They have to create an environment from scratch.They have to be driven to excel and grow.”
Sharp said the new assignment excites her.
“I’m hoping to get more people on board to mentor. We have nine mentors. I want two more,” Sharp said.
Sharp said she wanted this position because she had a wonderful mentoring experience as a new teacher at MTHS.
“Without (mentoring) and the support of the administration I wouldn’t be where I am,” Sharp said.
“How can you not give back? It’s nice to see a new teacher on their own doing well. We can find the tools to make a teacher successful ... I want to make the process of mentoring easier and with less paperwork. I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
Jennifer Sharp has been teaching 15 years, the last 13 at Metamora Township High School.
Even with that wealth of experience she is expecting to learn from the eight new teachers starting this school year at the high school. As the new head of the MTHS mentoring program she will have plenty of opportunities to interact with new teachers.
Sharp, a Spanish teacher, has been a mentor for about four years.
“I never thought this job would be a fit for me. The superintendent, Randy Toepke, said I should apply,” Sharp said.
Because of the challenges new teachers face, Sharp said the need for mentors is high.
“They need to manage a classroom, create a curriculum and manage to learn the personalities and culture of the school in two or three months or lose credibility,” Sharp said.
“Sometimes a new teacher just needs a safe place to go.”
Sharp said the culture shock new teachers face as they transition to being a student teacher to teacher is daunting.
“The most immediate change is they are suddenly in control,” Sharp said.
“They have to create an environment from scratch.They have to be driven to excel and grow.”
Sharp said the new assignment excites her.
“I’m hoping to get more people on board to mentor. We have nine mentors. I want two more,” Sharp said.
Sharp said she wanted this position because she had a wonderful mentoring experience as a new teacher at MTHS.
“Without (mentoring) and the support of the administration I wouldn’t be where I am,” Sharp said.
“How can you not give back? It’s nice to see a new teacher on their own doing well. We can find the tools to make a teacher successful ... I want to make the process of mentoring easier and with less paperwork. I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
