University of Texas of the Permian Basin
School of Education
Student Teacher Mentor Orientation
What is a mentor teacher?
Role of the mentor teacher:
 Model effective teaching practices as well as
professional behavior for the student teacher
 Help the student teacher be viewed and respected by
pupils as a second teacher in the classroom
 Provide a gradual transition into teaching
 Provide the student teacher with regular verbal and
written feedback (2 formal observations)
Providing constructive feedback
 The mentor teacher should regularly point out
basic strengths, as well as…
 point out areas needing improvement.
 make follow-up suggestions based on methods that have been
successful in the past.
 emphasize the need to improve learning for the class.
Remember when…
Remember your first REAL experience as a
classroom teacher? It can be scary!
 Give the student teacher time to observe the dynamics and
routines of your classroom.
 Gradually increase the amount of responsibility the student
teacher has for running the classroom.
 Emphasize to your pupils that the student teacher is another
teacher, not just a helper.
The role of the student teacher
 Act as a participating member of the school’s professional
community
 Participate fully in the planning and assessment process
 Gradually assume the responsibility of managing and
instructing the classroom
 Utilize the suggestions of the mentor teacher and university
supervisors to enhance their instruction
The role of the university supervisor
 Provide any information regarding UTPB’s
requirements and to answer any questions.
 To provide instructional support to the student
teacher
 To give formal and informal feedback to the student
teacher to enhance their instruction
(4 formal observations)
 To provide any necessary interventions if the need
arises
Reporting a problem or concern
 Please contact the university supervisor if a
problem arises or you have concerns about
the progress of the student teacher.
Remember, early intervention is key!
 Document any problem or concern.
What to Report
 Immediately report the following to the university
supervisor:
 Unprofessional behavior, including excessive tardiness,
absences, repeated dress code violations, etc…
 Behavior that endangers the students or compromises
confidentiality.
 Unwillingness to adhere to established school and class policies
 Unwillingness to participate fully in the duties assigned to a
teacher
 Unresponsiveness to suggestions or deficiencies in the student
teacher’s ability to provide quality instruction
Attendance
 Student teachers follow the same schedule required of all
teachers on their particular campus. Any exceptions must be
in writing from the Director of Field Experiences.
 The student teacher is responsible for reporting any absence
to their university supervisor within 24 hours. Absences will
be made up at the end of the student teaching placement.
 Please explain to the student teacher the proper procedure
for notifying you and school administration when they are
absent.
What Else to Report
The university supervisor will rely on the mentor teacher
heavily to provide feedback regarding the student teacher’s
daily performance. Be sure to let the university supervisor
know about outstanding achievements and progress being
made.
Handbook
 You will be provided a copy of the student teaching
handbook. Please review the handbook for more information
on policies and procedures for student teachers.
Pages of particular importance:
- Substitute teaching policy Pg. 4-5
- The process of student teaching Pg. 6-7 (timeline Pg. 15-16)
- Roles and responsibilities Pg. 5, 9-12
- Rubrics and expected outcomes Pg. 26-34
THANK YOU!!
Contact Information:
UTPB Office of Field Experiences
Joshua Ellis, Director
432-552-2158
Ellis_j@utpb.edu