Ep 163: How to Find a Teaching Mentor: Build Your Support Network & Avoid Burnout with the FAST Test Method

Feeling isolated as a new teacher? Middle grades educator Jessica Smith shares her proven three-step system for finding the right mentors and building a support network that actually works. In this episode, you'll discover the "mentorship map" framework that identifies four essential mentor types every teacher needs, learn the FAST test for vetting potential mentors, and get a word-for-word outreach script to confidently approach mentors. Jessica breaks down her 30-60-90-day plan for maintaining these relationships without burning out, explains how to build your inner circle, practice circle, and recharge circle, and provides specific questions to ask mentors for maximum impact. Whether you're a first-year teacher or simply looking to strengthen your professional support system, this episode gives you actionable strategies to find the guidance you need, make better classroom decisions, and build a sustainable teaching career. Stop going it alone. Learn how to identify and connect with mentors who will transform your teaching journey.

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