Duties and Expectations for Mentor Teachers

Welcome to UTeach and our introductory course Step 1. Early field experiences provide our students the opportunity to explore the profession of teaching in a hands-on way and decide if teaching is right for them. We couldn’t do it without you. This document outlines the duties and expectations for Mentor Teachers. Please review it and contact us if you have any questions.

Mentor Teachers:

  • attend a remote training session early in the semester. At this meeting, you will also meet the UTeach students who will be working with you.
  • supervise UTeach students during classroom visits lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. These visits consist of both observation and instruction. 
  • document classroom visits by signing time-stamped student observation or lesson feedback forms.
  • receive a stipend for each team they work with
 
  # of Interactive Observations
# of Lessons Total Visits
Step 1 2 2 4

 

In Step 1, Mentor Teachers select grade-appropriate lesson topics for their students.

During classroom visits, Mentor Teachers:

  • are present in the classroom at all times and do not leave UTeach students alone with a substitute or student teacher.
  • assume primary responsibility for classroom management.
  • promptly complete three short feedback forms and return them to the UTeach students

NOTE: These forms are important as students read and reflect on them before the next teach. They also provide evidence that students have taught each lesson, a requirement for passing the course.

Further, Mentor Teachers:

  • provide UTeach students with the opportunity to observe and teach the same group of students for all field experiences. The UTeach program understands this may not be possible in all circumstances and we appreciate the effort to provide our students with continuity in the field experience.
  • use email on a regular basis to communicate promptly and effectively with the UTeach students.
  • communicate with the Step 1 instructors at the first indication of problems.

If it becomes necessary to reschedule a classroom visit, Mentor Teachers will:

  • contact UTeach students and the course instructor at least 48 hours in advance of the visit to be canceled, or as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency.
  • reschedule the missed classroom visit as soon as possible, ideally, the same day and time the following week.

The UTeach Natural Sciences program thanks all of our Mentor Teachers for their dedication to the next generation of STEM educators.

Step 1 Mentor Teacher Forms

Feedback forms are filled out at the time of the lesson. A copy is given to the UTeach teacher, either in hard copy or electronically. These forms are important as students read and reflect on them before the next teach. They also provide evidence that students have taught each lesson, a requirement for passing the course.