Welcome to this new 3Ps in a Pod series on More Than Mentoring!

In this first episode, host Marlys Weaver welcomes Arizona K12 Center Executive Director Daniela Robles and Assistant Director of Induction and Mentoring Kathleen Paulsen to explore instructional mentoring, how it’s different than coaching, and what this work can do for teachers, mentors, and school communities.

Kathleen and Daniela both share how they came to instructional mentoring before actually having the title of a mentor or coach, either by reaching out to help new teachers in their school or to support National Board Certification candidates. They also share about what they see as the differences between instructional mentoring and coaching and how expanding and enhancing habits of mind through mentoring allows us to better serve all students.  

As Kathleen and Daniela unpack what it means to be a successful mentor, they walk through the role of the mentor, the support they provide, and why mentoring training is a critical element in ensuring mentors are prepared to support other adults in their building. Being a successful mentor is not about the mentor’s success in the classroom but about helping other teachers realize their classroom rhythm and finding success in their classroom. 

Daniela asks listeners to reflect on our life’s work as education professionals. She asks us to reflect on who we are, how teacher leadership transfers inside and outside the walls of our classrooms, and to be mindful of staying assets-focused. Kathleen shares about how consistency is mentoring support across a system is what can have exponential impact on teachers and systems and encourages listeners to examine their systems.

Continue your learning

After listening to this episode, use this episode-specific reflection guide to explore how you might further connect students to community and co-design learning opportunities unique to your location.

Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode and additional resources to expand your learning.

• Arizona Beginning Teacher Induction Standards

• Jim Knight

• Elena Aguilar

• Article: The Arizona K12 Center’s Approach to “Robust Mentoring” in Induction 

• Podcast: What’s All the Hype about Cognitive Coaching?

• Original Article: Are You Coaching Heavy or Light? by Joellen Killion

• Updated Article: Coaching heavy, coaching light: How to deepen professional practice by Joellen Killion

• Arizona K12 Center’s Approach to Induction and Mentoring
• Arizona K12 Center Customized Support for Induction and Mentoring

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center at azk12.org.