Today, as I was reading this goal, I thought about a question I was asked recently … “If you were to walk away from this job, what is the greatest experience you would take with you?” (Of course, I am now paraphrasing 
…
Even though Shelly is talking about teaching – and I have so many wonderful stories about students through the years – I want to share my mentoring magical moments.
I am in my 2nd year as a full-release mentor, and to be asked “what is my greatest ‘take away’?” was such a hard question to answer. So here is my elaborated response …
In my time as a mentor, my greatest “magical moment,” was understanding the true value of reflection. In the past, although I did achieve my national board certification, I don’t know that I truly grasped how valuable reflection is until I surrounded myself with reflective teachers / professionals / learners. Together, we have established a standard of excellence, a professional learning community that truly understands that engaged students are not just hands on, but they are minds on.
When I go back in the classroom, I want each and every day my students to know what we are learning, how we are learning it, and how “I will know I mastered this standard.” When we get to the end of the lesson, I want to see light bulbs going off all over the room from students grasping … “OH, I see why … I know how … I am excited because …”
I remember one year, a few years ago, a student “Martha” came to me and said, “Mrs. Ellison, it’s all your fault.” (Of course, I had no idea what she was talking about, so I replied …) “What is my fault, Martha?”
“I got in trouble last period.”
“Why?”
“Because I wouldn’t put my book down. It’s all your fault that I know love to read!”
I want to duplicate this experience with ALL my students. As a mentor, I want to help my new teachers have these moments based on their ability to plan effective lessons, manage efficient classrooms, create collaborative environments, and guide students through learning outcomes, assessments, and reflection. When students – through teachers who – can understand the process of learning, then learning becomes exponential.
At least … that’s my thoughts – definition – of “magical.” Your thoughts?
