This post by Nicole Hardy, a kindergarten teacher at Ashley Park Pre-K–8 Elementary School in Charlotte, N.C., first appeared on the Project L.I.F.T. website. See here to learn how to apply in February for Opportunity Culture positions in the Project L.I.F.T. zone of schools.

This is my first year in Project L.I.F.T., and my first year of having the support and guidance from an MCL. I can honestly say that I feel like I have bettered my teaching practices more within these last three months, than I have in the last three years.

The support that I have received from my MCL has been incredibly meaningful and helpful. I am able to apply the support right away with the real time coaching model, and I am guided throughout each coaching session with encouragement along with suggestions that help with the success of my scholars.

Having an MCL has also benefitted my scholars due to my improvement in effective teaching. I truly enjoy working along side my MCL and I feel more confident in myself as a teacher. I am excited to walk into my classroom each day, and practice the skills that I am working on as a teacher with the support of such an encouraging MCL.

This support is so special to have, because the success of our scholars comes from teamwork, and I am part of an incredibly strong team due to the support from my MCL.