Roles/Responsibilities of The Cooperating Mentor Teacher
Certified mentor teachers assume a vital role in the teacher preparation program. The mentor teacher represents the profession in action and provides opportunities for residents to apply knowledge, skills, and dispositions acquired in the teacher preparation program. The mentor teachers are individuals who exemplify the skills necessary for residents to be successful, including:
1. Evidence of having made consistent, positive impact on student learning, or the potential to do so
2. Knowledge of curricular tools and resources
3. Strong communication skills
4. Ability to manage time and plan effectively
5. A commitment to constant learning and improvement
6. The ability or potential to teach and lead adults, and an interest in helping colleagues grow
7. The ability to communicate and generalize effective teaching techniques beyond their own classroom experience
The mentor teacher is also expected to:
1. Prepare the students and the classroom for the resident’s arrival.
2. Orient the resident to the total school program (school policies, resources, etc.) and provide a work space for them.
3. Introduce the resident to faculty and staff and parents.
4. Model effective teaching skills for residents to observe.
5. Understand that the resident may become overwhelmed by the complexity of the teaching role; therefore, keep the lines of communication open and honest.
6. Confer and co-plan with the resident regularly about planning, classroom management, and professionalism to help them develop awareness and understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses.
7. Review lesson plans daily, approving all plans to be implemented by the resident and making suggestions for improvement.
8. Confer with university supervisor and residency coordinator about the resident’s performance.
9. Keep a record of the resident’s absences and tardiness.
10. Complete required evaluations and arrange for resident observations.
11. Remain in the classroom or nearby at all times. Never leave the students unattended.
12. Notify the university supervisor, residency coordinator, and the Director of the Office of Professional Laboratory Experiences immediately concerning weaknesses in the resident’s performance.