Strategies for Mentoring
- Provide regular oral and written evaluation of teaching performance.
- Present demonstration lessons using varied teaching strategies and discuss them with the candidate.
- Review all lesson plans and provide appropriate feedback.
- Provide the candidate with opportunities to prepare and develop original teaching plans, using a variety of strategies and materials.
- Plan together for effective assessment of learning.
- Guide the candidate in planning assignments and homework that provide appropriate challenges.
- Assist the candidate in accommodating students with special needs.
- Guide the candidate in the use and care of school equipment and materials.
- Provide feedback on classroom presence, e.g., moving throughout the classroom, voice effectiveness, appropriate professional appearance, etc.
Human Relationships and Professionalism
- Discuss with the candidate the role and performance of a professional teacher, including discussions of students and colleagues outside the classroom.
- Stress the importance of being a role model in the classroom, including respect for others, respect for diversity, and appropriate language and dress.
- Involve the candidate in parent conferences and other professional meetings.
- Integrate the candidate into the school as a professional colleague.
Suggestions for Collaborative Teaching
- Team plan a unit or mini-unit, alternating instructors or team teaching.
- Candidate provides the main instruction; the mentor teacher reviews difficult concepts or conducts tutorial sessions with individuals or small groups.
- Each teacher presents a mini-unit to a small group and then reverses groupings.
Addressing Concerns
- If progress is not satisfactory, discuss the specifics of the concern with the candidate as soon as the situation becomes apparent; document all discussions.
- Work together to develop strategies to overcome the problem.
- Notify the university supervisor and schedule a three-way conference.
- In consultation with the candidate and the university supervisor, decide upon a course of action.
- Invite the assistance of a school or university administrator, if you feel it would be helpful and/or necessary.
- We encourage you to contact the Office of Teacher Education when you have concerns regarding the candidate or the university supervisor that cannot be resolved otherwise.