Sounds like maybe Irene had more expendable time than the teacher of the class as she was able to be all those things while the other teacher was not.

Yes, the learning comes from the struggle and if you're always getting rescued you are robbed of that valuable experience.

I remember my first year teaching feeling completely lost and overwhelmed. All my years of college did little to prepare me for what it was actually going to be like in the classroom. Luckily I had a teacher down the hall from me who had a couple more years in than me and she was my unofficial mentor. If it wouldn't have been for her I'm not sure I would have made it. I get to see her from time to time as we use the same hair stylist and several months ago I was able to thank her in person and tell her how much her support meant to me.