Teachers have so many responsibilities these days that most are overwhelmed. At first, being a mentor teacher to a student teacher might seem like just one more task that must be "completed". Actually, like so many other things in life, it can go either way and much of it depends on your attitude.
Take Time to Prepare
Spend a few moments remembering what your student teaching days were like. Write down what both the positive and negative aspects were. List ways to avoid recreating the negatives and ways to implement the positives into your classroom.
Give your students a heads up that things will be changing. Let them know ahead of time the name, role, and time-frame for the student teacher to be a part of your community. A little preparation in advance can save time down the road.
Plan on meeting your student teacher before the first day in your room. If nothing else, call and visit on the phone. Discuss time lines, schedules, classroom management, and expectations of both parties. This simple step is often overlooked, but can get everything off to a better start if these simple things are thought through in advance.
Study whatever material is provided for you by the student teacher's supervisor. Know upfront what is expected of you. Know what forms will need to be completed, when and where paperwork is to returned, and procedures that should be followed to ensure a successful experience for both. In some instances, you may even be required to take online mentoring classes with your student teacher.
Be a Positive Role Model
Debrief the student teacher at the end of every day. Allow the student teacher to ask questions. Keep the time you spend together friendly but professional. Treat the person with respect. A bad student teaching experience will not benefit anyone. Keep every thing as honest and positive as possible.
Avoid correcting the student teacher in front of the class if at all possible.
Be as flexible as possible with your curriculum. The student teacher has been learning many things in class. Allow the him or her freedom to use some of the projects or materials that he or she has worked on in the classroom. You might learn something along with your students.
Teaching a student teacher can help shape his or her attitude towards teaching for many years to come. Sharing your love and passion for the profession will help assure that your student teacher looks forward to having his or her own class. There are enough negative people in education. Do your part as a mentor teacher to use this opportunity to positively influence your student teacher.
