Searching for Teacher Balance: You Oughta Know

The act of being a mentor teacher is a true honor. I know that when I was first asked to have a student teacher I was ecstatic that I had reached that point in my career. However, it was not all unicorns and rainbows. There is a ton I wish I would have known before agreeing to my first student teacher, many moons ago. I am so excited to share my mentor teacher essentials in this month's You Oughta Know!

I don't know about you, but I had the greatest mentor teacher! She knew how to balance her real life and school, while being a fabulous teacher. Ten years later, I still strive to be like her. The most important thing that she taught me about mentors and student teachers is they need to communicate. We had a great forum between us and I figured that would be easy to recreate with a student teacher (ST) of my own. WOW, who was I kidding?!?! I struggled ridiculously with my first two student teachers and I feel horrible about that. Thankfully, I have learned and have made the following changes.

The easiest way to keep communication lines open is to set up a notebook system and REALLY reflect with your ST. It is imperative that you set up a time to discuss what gets written, or there was no use in spending the time prepping it.

I allow my STs to observe and take notes the first few days and record their observations, thoughts, and questions in the notebook. Then, throughout their time with me I post questions, interview questions to be exact, for them to respond to, and for us to discuss. The questions are from my own interview experiences throughout my career, teaching in 3 states gives you some ideas. ;)

I also use the journal to observe and reflect on lessons that my STs teach. I love being able to give them additional thoughts to ponder.

Having everything is one place has proven to be the best idea! My last three STs have rocked this process! Each of them was able to use their notebook as a great study tool before their interviews.

There is a second piece that I wish I would have known about with my first STs...Rachelle Smith's Student Teacher Resource Binder.

This product is full of amazing organizational tools to help you and your ST stay on track. I love how easy it is to set up and differentiate depending on the needs of each ST. We all know that EVERY ONE of them is different!!!