A Peer Mentor

I attended The University of Virginia for four years and received a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs and Religious Studies. My concentrations prepared me generally for a career, but not specifically for a career in teaching. In contrast, my best friend Esther A. chose a different route while attending UVa. She knew from almost the beginning of her undergraduate experience that she wanted to be a teacher. She applied and was accepted to the education program at UVa, and received her bachelors and masters degrees in five years from the School of Education. Esther walked away from UVa with a knowledge of her concentration (history) but also with the pedagogical knowledge that I know now is essential to excellent teaching.

Due to the five year program at UVa, I began my teaching career in an under-resourced area in Washington, D.C. after only receiving a five week crash course in the pedagogy of teaching, before Esther ever stepped foot in the classroom. Uncertified, impatient and passionate about leveling the playing field, I stepped up to begin teaching third grade. I worked hard, loved my students, and faced many challenges head on, and yet I struggled those first few months.

My friend Esther, finishing up her Masters degree, chose to help me during my time of struggle. She listened with the intention of helping me find solutions to my classroom management concerns, she gave me new ideas for reaching out to parents, and she consistently turned me to other sources of information that pertained to my given situation. She was and continues to be such a resource. Most of all, she gave me a respect and a love for the profession that I may have never had otherwise. I believe that there are different avenues to entering the teaching profession, but I also believe that teachers need to be as educated as they can possibly be in order to give students the highest level of education. Esther supported and encouraged me in my career, even though I chose a very different path. She showed me that mentors do not have to be experienced, veteran teachers. Mentors can be anyone willing to go the distance, share knowledge and information, and spur you on. I proudly call Esther A. my mentor.

-- Sharon Rubright, American University