Week 11-12

 You have opened your doors, your space, and possibly even your lesson plan cabinet. It can be tough to take a step back and hand the reins to the student teacher, especially when their practices may be very different. It’s vital to share your perspective and words of wisdom. But it’s also important to allow room for trial and error, and ultimately growth. Below are some reminders as your student teacher is most likely handling a full teaching load:
  • Allow the student teacher to make honest mistakes and to have the opportunity to learn from them. Keep in contact with the university supervisor when they visit, regarding the student teachers’ progress.
  • Don’t be afraid to leave the classroom for brief periods of time. This time is important in helping the student teacher to determine if they have attained full authority and independence of the classroom.
  • Although tempting, try not to interrupt the student teacher once they have taken over responsibility of the class. Their directions, techniques and daily procedures will most likely differ from you. Allow the student teacher to work through the experience on their own, and then take the time to go over their perceptions, as well as your own at a later time.
  • Be sure to have one to two regular meetings per week, although discussion is most likely happening daily. Utilize this time to review lessons, discuss previous lessons, and work on goals to make progress.
  • It is possible that the Cooperating Teacher may need to step in from time to time—especially if there is a class that is out of control or there is a possibility of someone being harmed. 

               Reference: https://my.brevard.edu/ICS/icsfs/Fall_2016_Cooperating_and_Supervising_Teacher_Hand.pdf?target=e1c98089-ae00-4730-b4dc-c2ce5bcd2ca1

Mentor Motivation


​“We’re better when we share our real selves.

We’re better when we’re really authentic. We’re

better when we all work together.”
​


​                                           -Sheryl Sandberg.

Reminders

- Student teachers should be following the Spring Break of their school site.

- Encourage your intern to schedule their mock interview, if they haven’t already.

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Example Documents & Teacher Support
Examples of the feedback and mentoring language can be found in the Cooperating Teacher Manual and on the Giving Feedback page. 
Examples of the evaluation and rating forms can be found on the Forms page.
 Check out this link:
The Student Teaching Experience: Being a Cooperating Teacher
The Power of Mentoring for Student Teachers
Upcoming Intern Activities/Important Dates
- April 8th: CT Zoom Meeting #3 3:45-4:30pm
- April 24th: Last day for student teachers to be on site
- April 29th: Final Student Teacher Seminar (UF Gainesville)
​- April 30th & May 1st: Commencement 

This Week's Infographic: Week 11 & 12