Needs and Wants

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Home : 2001 : December : 26

Needs and Wants
By Michelle

First, because you've written this posting, I think you'll do a great job as a cooperating teacher because you care about the responsibility of being a mentor and the experience both of you can have.

I've read the other
posts and was pleased to see these were from people who, for the most part, had great experiences with their mentors. I, on the other hand, had a horrible experience. I don't want to discourage you with this statement, only to warn you it's coming from a different perpsective. :-)
I would start off the relationship as defining expecations. While both of you won't exactly know what

you're looking for and expecting, it will provide a foundation for discussion later. Also make sure the student teacher feels like a teacher and not an aide or a guest. The kids know - and it can affect the student teacher's management of the students.

Ensure you have plenty of time to give to the student teacher, the relationship between you and her/him, and planning, etc. Student teaching is a stressful time and feeling rushed and/or hurried constantly is counterproductive.

Be organized. I think this is directly related to the time constrants issue. For some, organization is not a easy tasks, but make sure you and your student teacher are on the same wavelength.

Keep your promises. Unless dire circumstances arise, if you say you're going to something, do it. I realize teaching is a hectic profession, but, by not keeping promises, you could be destroying the relationship.

Be positive. Give constructive criticism, but make sure you give lots and lots of praise. Personally, I constantly self-analyzed everything I did in the classroom each day. It would have been nice to know what I was doing right.

Plan cooperatively. Include the student teacher in the planning of everything you can. If you're attending meetings, ask the student teacher if they want to attend as well. Ask for input on classroom bullentin boards, etc.

Lastly, give control of the classroom. Let the student teacher do all the work and support her/him appropriately.

Good luck!