Leadership and mentoring, collaboration among different groups, and lessons of advocacy, are just three important topics that were covered in a recorded conversation with Dr. Beverly Ann Chin, Professor of English at the University of Montana, Missoula. Dr. Chin spoke about advocacy at the 2015 National Council of Teachers of English annual convention in an interview that streamed live on Nov. 22, 2015.
When discussing lessons of advocacy, Dr. Chin stresses the importance of sharing experiences, expertise, and passions with other people. “I believe as educators, we should always ‘Walk the Talk.’ Whatever we ask our students to do, or whenever we ask students to take a risk, to share their thoughts or points of view, that we as educators and role models should also do that.”
In regard to leadership and mentoring, Dr. Chin talks about the value of mentors: “Mentors are so important in each of our lives. I encourage all teachers to reach out and gain mentors, both personally and professionally.”
Advocacy operates at many levels including, local, state, and national. Dr. Chin discusses the importance of collaboration, and explains how diversity is welcome, respected, and embraced. “It’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned,” she says.
Dr, Chin continues to discuss the topics of giving advice to educators, what is the purist form of advocacy at a local level, and handling difficult situations as a leader.
Listen to Dr. Chin’s full interview to hear her thoughts about these critical issues in education today.
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