All Heroes Need a Champion

June 26, 2025
By Tamara Sheesley Balis

All Heroes Need a Champion
Why Educators Deserve Mentors, Too

We often speak of educators as heroes—and rightly so. Committed to something far greater than themselves, educators bring both mind and heart to the sacred work of guiding young people through joy and struggle, curiosity and challenge. In quiet moments and in chaos, they hold the whole child—emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

Let’s be clear, teaching demands all the qualities of a hero: unwavering belief in humanity, courage to stand for each child, grit and persistence in the face of challenge, and the humility to keep learning. It’s purposeful, powerful, and often incredibly hard as we change the world, one child at a time.

And we can’t ask our educators to do it alone…. For even the greatest heroes need a champion. Research shows that behind great educators—especially those still becoming—stands a champion who sees their potential and walks beside them. Someone who listens deeply, challenges thoughtfully, offers thoughtful guidance, building and fortifying expertise and strengths.

At Greenspring, we believe every teacher, every leader, deserves this support. We envision a world where the old story—that educators must go it alone—is replaced with a new standard: supported, inspired, and confident educators leading thriving classrooms.

Who can offer this championship to our educators, you ask? Experienced, expert mentors who support educators through the mess and the magic of the classroom, building confident, inspired, and supported educators who are empowered to do their best work—for themselves for their students, and for the world.

Join the GCLL 2025–2026 school year Mentoring Communities:

Mentorship. Inspiration. Truth. Empowerment.

Support your Educator-Heroes in stepping into their full potential today!

Tamara Sheesley Balis

With an extensive background in Montessori education, school administration, and childhood development, Tamara’s life work is to bring Montessori education to many families in Baltimore, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, and beyond. She has served as the Head of School at Greenspring Montessori School in Baltimore, Maryland since 2012. Tamara is passionate about creating cultures of belonging, fostering strong leadership, and sharing authentic Montessori practices with the world. She has presented at national Montessori conferences and is a Montessori classroom consultant. She has been a contributing author for Washington Families Magazine, publishing articles on Montessori education, child development, and parenting. Learn more about Tamara.

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