Today on Beyond My Years, host Ana Torres gets wisdom from Serena Klosa, an educator with 37 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and now deputy chief of schools. Serena discusses what it takes to be a good mentor and to be mentored by others—stressing the humility it requires and the strength it creates. She also shares stories of the “Queens of the Third Floor” and their no-nonsense approach to mentoring, and opens up about the lessons she won’t let herself forget. Taking all those lessons back to the classroom, Eric and Ana discuss maintaining positive routines with students, staying humble, and valuing every role in the school.

Show notes:

• Connect with Serena Klosa on X: @spetersonklosa
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years
• Follow us on Instagram @amplify.education
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/

Quotes:
“Every kick in the butt is a boost up.” —Serena Klosa

“My teaching is not something I do. It's who I am.” —Serena Klosa

“Asking for mentoring is not a sign of weakness. It's saying, ‘I want to be better and I want to grow.’ And sometimes, if you don't ask, they're not going to do it.” —Serena Klosa