Thought Leadership: The Importance of State Testing
by Nell Gladson
byBob Engler
5 min to readReal-world mentors step in at a critical juncture in a student’s academic journey to share their experience and insights, prepare them for college and professional careers, and build their confidence and self-motivation. Mentors are trusted advisors who encourage students to take ownership of their learning and personal growth, set goals, create action plans, and use feedback to make adjustments.
One of the reasons why mentoring is important is because of the human connection that encourages students to develop critical life and professional skills, make sense of their futures, and shape their academic and career pursuits.
What qualities do effective mentors bring to the relationship? Among them, according to the magazine, are:
“Exploring personal interests goes hand-in-hand with identifying strengths [that lead to rewarding professional careers],” according to the magazine. “Students are encouraged by their mentors to explore ways in and out of schools—through clubs or community programs and projects—that will help build and expand these personal interests and passions.”
MTD, a professional-development organization, describes the ideal mentor as an active participant in the student’s growth and skills development. A hallmark of an effective mentor is the ability to introduce students to networks that can cultivate and advance their professional ambitions.
On the MTD website is listed the 15 crucial life skills that qualified mentors possess and pass on to students. Among them:
Link for Counselors says technology enables students to connect with mentors online. Online learners, like those who attend Connections Academy-supported schools, therefore, can gain all the benefits of working with a professional mentor, and they can find them anywhere in the world.
“It’s crucial to remember,” the organization notes, that a qualified mentor “must be available to spend however much time it takes. And to be a real mentor, the tutor must pave the way for the student’s success.”
Students participating in internships or holding part-time jobs may also find opportunities for mentoring in the workplace. A real-world career-prep relationship can help students shape their academics to develop expertise in potential career paths.
Wherever you look for a mentor, the right person can have a significant impact in helping your student develop the tools they need to succeed academically and in their careers—even if that person is you.