WHAT THEY LEARNED FROM THEIR MENTORS

Three Rodel Exemplary Teacher Awardfinalists recently shared what they learned from their mentors when they were Rodel Promising Student Teachers. » “Not all students learn the same way, so it is important to provide students with many different ways of learning in hopes that one of the ways works for them. I remember that very first day I walked in the room and saw the students chanting and banging on drums following her lead to learn their continents and oceans. It stuck with me and better still, stuck with the students.” — Mary Proctor, Rodel Promising Student Teacher in 2008 and now a specialeducation teacher at Madison Park Middle School in Phoenix. » “Always have high expectations for every single student. If they think you think they can do it, they will believe it themselves. I also learned that I am the role model for these students and everything I do, say and how I act is being watched and will be imitated.” — Tania Smith, Rodel Promising Student Teacher in 2006 and now a sixth-grade teacher at R.E. Simpson School in Phoenix. » “I learned to build a community and classroom of respect. As teachers, we can get frustrated and upset at times, but it is important to have patience. When we raise our voice, that caring and trusting relationship that has been built is now jeopardized. The classroom should be a safe place for students. We are a community and we work together to have a successful learning environment.” — Tiffany Thompson, Rodel Promising Student Teacher in 2009 and now a fifth-grade teacher at Whitman Elementary School in Mesa. Thompson is a 2014 Rodel Exemplary Teacher.