Mentoring a Student Teacher: Part 1
Being a mentor for a student teacher is a very important job. You have many responsibilities when you are a mentor. If you aren’t sure where to start, you are in the right place. I have some tips and resources for you! This is the first in a series of posts about mentoring a student teacher.
Mentoring a Student Teacher Topics
- Part 1: Preparing for your Student Teacher
- Part 2: Introducing your Student Teacher
- Part 3: Releasing Responsibilities to your Student Teacher
- Part 4: Communicating with your Student Teacher
- Part 5: Planning with your Student Teacher
- Part 6: Observing your Student Teacher
- Part 7: Giving Feedback to your Student Teacher
- Part 8: Grading Tips for your Student Teacher
- Part 9: Reflecting with your Student Teacher
- Part 10: Thanking your Student Teacher
Preparing for Your Student Teacher
The preparing stage is very important. As soon as you agree to take a student teacher, you need to start preparing for it immediately. Start making sure your room is ready for someone else to occupy. Sometimes that means cleaning!
- Your student teacher should be given a desk.
- He/she will also need copies of your schedule and class lists. Highlight names of behavior problems and academic needs.
- Make a list of important things you want to share with your student teacher as soon as she/he steps foot in your classroom:
- names of other teachers on your team
- how to work the copy machine
- where the bathrooms are
- your expectations on arrival time
Try to think back to when you were student teaching or even a brand new teacher. What were questions you had? If you can remember any of those things, be sure to share with your student teacher to make him/her feel comfortable in your room.
Be clear about your expectations from the beginning and try to create an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed.
