Mentor Teacher

While in B.L Garza Middle School I had the pleasure of observing Mrs. Garza. Mrs. Garza has had a total of twenty-five years experience with middle school students. She had been and educator for elementary for four years prior to teaching secondary students. The reason she chose not to teach elementary students was because she really enjoyed working with middle school students.

“ Many of these students are trying to find themselves at this age and time and might feel alone. I like for them to know they are not alone and that there are teachers who care about them.” Mrs. Garza said with such joy when asked about why she chose middle school students versus elementary teaching.

There is not specific grade level Mrs. Garza teaches because she is a reading specialist and main job is to work with certain students who need help on their reading TAKS. My observation however was during a summer session that was composed of eight grade students who were working on passing the TAKS exam to move onto high school.

I asked her what was her main drive into becoming a teacher was and she said thats what she wanted to be since she was a little girl and always knew that was going to be her career as an adult. She also said that the most rewarding aspect of becoming an educator is making a difference in a student’s education. She believes that all students are smart and some may need extra attention but that isn’t an excuse for teachers not to teach and fight for their education.

I asked Mrs. Garza what are some good tips for student teachers and what to await on the field? She proceeded and told me that it is good that younger generations are becoming teachers because many teachers are leaving and those spots are left vacant. The younger generations of teachers are the future of the world. She also pointed out that it’s a thrill of no other to work with adolescence. They are at a critical point in their lives where they can be molded and can be lead into becoming successful adults.