Who Is Your Teacher Today?

Who are your teachers? I bet you can remember some good ones over the course of your life. That’s how you got here. But what about today? Who are you regularly learning from? Who is helping you in the places you want to grow?

You probably had great support when you were in training and during your first few years of teaching. You might have a principal with more experience who supports you or a like-minded peer with whom you collaborate. But if you’re like many educators I know, odds are high that you no longer have an active, familiar relationship with a teacher of your own.

I can think of no more important task for us than to seek out the help we need in order to do what we’re most called to do. If you want to transform the culture in your classroom and school from competition and separation to cooperation and connection, you’re going against a lot of momentum. If you want your students to actively create their world—rather than receive what’s been passed on to them—you’re going to need a lot of help so you don’t burn out. You’re going to need an elder, mentor or advisor. Especially if you are a trailblazer in your school, you’re not going to find the wisdom and guidance you need within your professional world. No one there has done what you want to do.

Where can you find this help? Think of other educators who inspire you. And don’t stop there: Seek out community members, business people, activists, writers and leaders. Whose book or blog inspires you? Who sparked an idea for you at a conference or talk? If you don’t have specific questions yet, reach out to tell them that you’re going to try what they suggest and you don’t have others around you doing the same. Could you call on them as questions arise? Or do they know someone else to connect you with?  

When I taught in a middle school in Maine, I didn’t know any other teachers in my almost all-white, upper-middle class community who were talking about race. I noticed discomfort in my colleagues when I brought it up, even among those who supported me. I knew I needed help. I reached out to another white teacher whose work I had encountered in Everyday Antiracism: Getting Real About Race in School. I also connected with an African-American organizer of a Middle Passage walk. He ended up traveling to my school to share with my students about his months-long pilgrimage to sites of significance in the American slave trade.

Another time, when I wanted to examine power and privilege, I asked for help from a friend of a friend who didn’t have classroom experience, but who had expertise in leading groups in difficult conversations. She led my students in an experiential activity that helped breakdown unspoken hierarchies.

When I wanted to start a unit on our town’s connection to slavery in the United States, I consulted regularly with the historian who ran the local history society. I also arranged to meet with a teacher from the local high school who had become a local history expert. 

And when I deepened my commitment to shift to a cooperative culture in my classroom, I received regular support from a teacher of Nonviolent Communication, who made it all possible. 

Can you really talk to the author of a book or article? Isn’t a nationally known speaker or activist really busy? You won’t know until you ask. Most people I’ve reached out to are thrilled that a teacher is actually applying their work. Most people want more than anything to impact young people—the people in our classrooms.

If you still find yourself doubting whether to contact someone who could help you, get support to do it! Ask a friend or loved one to help you gather the courage you need. You’re not just serving yourself. You’re also modeling to your colleagues and students what it looks like to create the world we want. If we wait, if we think it’s not important, it won’t happen. We need to be active in getting the help we need to do our best.

What are your experiences of asking for mentorship? Share your experiences below.

Blaine is a public school teacher and dialogue facilitator and is currently studying nonviolent communication and social change.