Teachers Thriving Issue #2 | Page 35

Mentoring

THINK TANK

The 'Thank Tank' takes one topic and asks educators in different roles, with various experiences to share their perspective. In this issue we talk: MENTORING

Lisa Noonan

Role:

Small School Teaching Principal

What has been your mentoring experience?

When I began my journey into principalship, I was matched to a mentor while in Take the Lead: Aspiring small school leadership and then once in the role for 12 months I was privileged in being asked to be part of a principal coaching program.

What does mentoring mean to you?

Mentoring means learning to look at myself with multiple lenses. To me, a mentor challenges my thinking about what I do, how I do it and my effect in every aspect of my role.

How have you benefited from mentoring?

Both professional and personal growth - I’ve learnt to understand better my areas of lesser strength and how to build on those as my focus but also to use my strengths to my advantage. I’ve learnt that leadership is about constant learning and there’s no end point. I’ve learnt to laugh at myself and that it’s ok to say ‘not sure about that, let me get back to you’.

What qualities would you look for in a mentor?

Integrity - I have to be able to trust that person and know they have my back because when you open up to weaknesses, you feel vulnerable. My mentors have been that for me. I think that a mentor needs to believe in you and support you in whatever direction you choose.

What would you suggest to ensure a successful mentoring experience?

My advice is to think about what you want out of mentoring and to be willing to open up and be honest about what you can work on. I think it’s important to spend some time initially getting to know your mentor and seeing if you ‘click’ - to me the relationship is everything in order to build trust.