Reflections on Professional Development Partnership By Deedy Camarena AS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNER TO XOCHITL SANCHEZ, I exercised my role as a partner of support, guidance and encouragement. Ms. Sanchez was already well prepared. This made my job more of a challenge. Ms. Sanchez had everything very well under control from the first day of school. Her discipline plan was ready to go, she thoroughly read, re-read and understood all of her teacher editions and she understood more than I did about the language arts series! She took it upon herself to find assessment materials and everyday she expressed ideas about the lessons she wanted to develop! Ms. Sanchez did come across a re-occurring, obstacle: below grade-level students. This did not set her back because she was already prepared to find the resources she needed in order to teach these particular students. I was impressed as well as proven correct by Ms. Sanchez. She impressed me by her dedication and energy to understand everything she needed to know to do her job well. I knew she would be a well- prepared teacher because she was a well-prepared teacher’s assistant. My job was difficult. Because Ms. Sanchez had so many of her own ideas, I did not want to suggest more to her. I wanted her to try out her own ideas first. Therefore, she can see what works for her and for her class. Everyday we spoke about her class and how the activities went for that day. Except for the fact that her students are below grade level, she didn’t have any concerns. She was anxious to plan and research for the next day . I asked her everyday if there was anything I could do, but she always said no. Not until Wednesday afternoon did she ask me questions about Menlo Elementary school’s substitute policies. Finally I felt as if I was helping her. Even though we had talked extensively everyday about her day, I never had felt needed until then. At Wednesday’s Professional Development Partners and Mentor meeting I learned what my role had become: a supporter, guidance counselor and cheerleader. I had forgotten that these were the reasons why new teachers need partners and mentors. Talking with the other partners and mentors reminded me of my role. I was helping Ms. Sanchez by just being there and available any time she needed me. Most of the time it was just to talk about the day. I felt much better and relaxed after the meeting. I kept reminding myself what it was like for me to be a new teacher. I tried to remember the things I needed when I started out so I knew what questions to ask Ms. Sanchez. I knew she needed materials so I gave her everything I had and more to help her with her activities. I will continue to do so throughout the year. It is very easy to work with Ms. Sanchez because we already had built a teacher relationship as well a friendship. I look forward to helping her in the years to come and to see her progress her first year teaching. I know my role as a partner will change. Ms Sanchez will find that she will need me in other ways. Until then, I will continue to support, guide and encourage her.