Halee SikorskiNov 4, 2024 • 5 min read
Lessons from Champions: Mentorship That’s More Than a Program
Annette Bacon has been shaping young minds for over 22 years. For the last 11 years, she’s been using Classroom Champions to bring inspiring mentors into her classroom, and it’s made a world of difference.
Annette Bacon, a kindergarten teacher at Marysville Elementary in Portland, Oregon, has been shaping young minds for over 22 years. For the last 11 years, she’s been using Classroom Champions to bring inspiring mentors into her classroom, and it’s made a world of difference. From forming lasting relationships with Athlete Mentors to watching her students grow, Annette’s journey is full of heartwarming stories.
Memorable Moments with Athlete Mentors
Annette has had the pleasure of working with several inspiring Athlete Mentors, including 4-time Paralympian Chuck Aoki and 4-time Olympian Chris Mazdzer.Paralympian Chuck Aoki with Annette's class.
One unforgettable moment was when Chuck Aoki visited her students at their school. Annette won his visit through a raffle, and it was an event to remember. Chuck arrived in style, picked up from the airport by Annette’s husband in his Porsche—which the students found very cool!During his visit, Chuck presented each student with a special award—hand-painted medals Annette had crafted herself. The students were thrilled to receive their awards and their own medal from a real-life Paralympic medalist (4 medals to be exact!).
Paralympian Chuck Aoki shares one of his Olympic medals with one of Annette's students, who also dons a medal.
But it wasn’t just about the medals; it was about connecting with someone who truly cared about their growth and success. That day left a lasting impact on the students and reinforced the power of having a mentor who believes in you.
Learning from Paralympians
Annette believes that having Paralympians as mentors adds an extra layer of connection for her students. These athletes share stories of overcoming challenges that the kids can relate to. It shows them that everyone faces struggles and that success is possible, no matter what.
Athlete Mentors show them that we all learn differently, but we’re all trying to aim for the same goal. It allows the kids to just be free, be more themselves.
Building Confidence and Setting Goals
One of Annette’s most touching stories involves a student who struggled with physical activities due to underdeveloped gross motor skills. He often felt behind compared to his peers, who could run and play with ease. Using goal-setting techniques inspired by Olympian and Athlete Mentor Emily Infeld, Annette worked with him to set small, achievable goals.Let’s look at the goal setting that Emily did and how she set these goals to be an Olympian. We can set goals too.
The student’s friends cheered him on, creating a supportive and motivating environment. By the end of the year, this student, who once found it difficult to keep up with his classmates, was confidently running across the playground. The joy on his face and the cheers from his friends were unforgettable.
It was amazing to see the growth he made over the year and to be able to pair exactly what Classroom Champions was teaching from beginning to end.
Annette is the only teacher at her school that utilizes Classroom Champions and she notes it’s night and day difference between her class and the other kindergarten classes at her school. Other teachers in the building notice that her students are always more empathetic and compassionate to each other and they have a deeper level of care because of their participation in Classroom Champions.
What Would Your Mentor Do?
Classroom Champions hasn’t only impacted Annette’s students, it’s also had a profound effect on her own growth as a teacher. The program taught her to embrace failure and learn from mistakes—valuable lessons for both her personal and professional life.Annette and Chuck pose for a picture when visiting her classroom in Oregon.
Annette emphasized how the program has helped her classroom run more smoothly, particularly by fostering a sense of self-regulation and empathy among her students. Through the mentorship of athletes like Olympic silver medalist Chris Mazder, her students have learned to manage their emotions and setbacks by reflecting on what their mentors would do in similar situations.She encourages her students to think about what their Athlete Mentor would do when faced with a challenge. This mindset shift has helped her students develop resilience and empathy, transforming their classroom into a community that supports one another.
Advice for Teachers New to Classroom Champions
For those new to Classroom Champions, Annette advises taking it one step at a time. “Don’t feel overwhelmed. Remember, the Athlete Mentors are people just like you who care about your class.” She suggests using mentor videos and newsletters to engage students and parents alike.Annette's students on a live video chat with their Athlete Mentor.
Don’t feel overwhelmed with Classroom Champions. It is different having the mentor piece there and videos, but know that the person – the Athlete Mentor – is a human just like you. They’ve chosen to take time out of their life to care about your class. They’re there for you.
With support from mentors and fellow teachers, you can make a difference from day one.
The Power of Authentic Mentorship
What makes these mentor-student relationships so powerful is the honesty and authenticity of the athletes’ stories. They don’t just share their victories, but also their struggles. This realness helps students—and Annette—understand that life’s challenges can be overcome.Their stories humanize success and failure in a powerful way. They demonstrate that life is filled with both highs and lows, and learning how to handle those moments with grace is a skill that will benefit them for years to come. These athletes don’t just provide a role model for the students; they also serve as a reminder to Annette herself of the importance of perseverance.For Annette, this lesson has been especially meaningful as she navigates her husband’s battle with cancer. The resilience and hope she’s learned from Classroom Champions help her stay strong, both in the classroom and at home.
It’s been hard for me some days to just know this is life, but Classroom Champions has helped keep me steady. I can do this. I can persevere through this. We can get through this.
For Annette, the relationship with her Athlete Mentors is more than just an educational experience—it’s a source of emotional and personal growth. She expresses deep gratitude for the Athlete Mentors who have shared their lives and lessons with her and her students.
More Than Just a Program
Classroom Champions has transformed Annette’s classroom into a community where students look out for each other and celebrate each other’s successes, and draw strength from the lessons taught by their Athlete Mentors.
Annette is deeply grateful for the impact it has had on her students and her own life. The lessons learned from Athlete Mentors continue to shape her outlook, giving her the strength to face life’s challenges both in and out of the classroom with determination and grace.
