The Mentor Struggle: Why I’m Building a Resource Hub for New Teachers (and Existing Ones)

Jennifer Allain
Mar 9, 2025
3 min read

Teachers unite at the Special Education Resource Hub, sharing strategies and ideas to support students effectively.

I’ve always been told I can be a little intense. I expect a lot, I do a lot, and I don’t exactly have a chill setting. When I see a problem, I fix it. When I see a need, I fill it. So when I stepped into the role of a mentor—specifically for special education teachers—I naturally went all in.

I started sending out weekly action lists, breaking down what my mentees should and could do to set themselves up for success. No one asked me to do this. No one required it. I did it because that’s what I wished someone had done for me.

I need specifics to feel successful—so doesn’t everyone else?

When Mentees Don’t Listen (A Lesson in Patience)

Here’s where it gets tricky. Nothing drove me more bananas than when a mentee wouldn’t take my advice. And sure, maybe my “advice” was more of a directive wrapped in a suggestion—but still!

I set them up for success with calendars, digital toolboxes, ready-to-go templates, and every resource they could possibly need. And yet… the questions still came. All. The. Questions.

Don’t get me wrong—I love troubleshooting. I was practically born for it. But I also love efficiency, and watching people struggle when I’ve already handed them the solution? That’s not it.

The Solution? A Fully Loaded Resource Hub

So, instead of just repeating myself year after year, I’m channeling my energy into something bigger: a series of online courses designed for new teachers, coaches, and special education professionals.

These courses (one of which is already halfway done!) will be packed with the same actionable tools I wish I had when I was starting out—only this time, everything will be in one place, easy to access, and designed to help educators work smarter, not harder.

If you’re a new teacher drowning in responsibilities, a mentor looking for structure, or a special education teacher in need of support, stay tuned. These courses are coming, and they’re going to change the game.

Your Weekly Survival Kit: SPED Tips & Resources

1. The Sunday Night Reset: Plan Your Week Like a Pro

Before the chaos of Monday hits, set aside 20 minutes on Sunday to:

Map out your top priorities for the week.
Review IEP deadlines, progress monitoring, and parent communications.
Prep 2-3 quick activities that can double as reinforcement or emergency sub plans.

My favorite planner used to be Erin Condren-- but Plum Paper has so much versatility! I did go back to EC this year since they added a vertical option but I might go back to PP.

2. The “One-Touch” Rule for Emails & Paperwork

Stop letting your inbox and paperwork pile up! When you open an email or pick up a document, decide immediately:

1️⃣ Respond & archive it

2️⃣ Delegate it

3️⃣ Schedule time to handle it later

This keeps your workflow smooth and avoids the dreaded “Where did I put that?” panic.

3. Your Digital Teacher Toolbox (That You’ll Actually Use)

If you don’t have a go-to system for your resources, it’s time to create one! Start with:

A Google Drive folder for lesson plans, templates, and student data.
A Trello board or Notion page for tracking IEP goals.
A “quick links” document for frequently used SPED resources.

4. The 5-Minute Check-In That Saves You Hours

Before you leave each day, do this:

✔️ Jot down what went well and what needs adjusting for tomorrow.

✔️ Prep your materials so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

✔️ Do a quick mental check—what’s one thing you can delegate?

This habit saves you so much stress the next morning!

✅ Excuse me BUT, have you seen the desk organizers from Erin Condren?

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Automate & Reuse!

Why reinvent the wheel? If you’re writing the same IEP comments or answering the same parent emails every year, create templates!

Save pre-written responses for FAQs.
Use Google Forms for student check-ins.
Automate calendar reminders for recurring deadlines.

6. Join the Mentor Community!

Want access to a fully loaded resource hub with all the templates, guides, and survival strategies you need? My course is coming soon, and you’ll be the first to know when you sign up!