Intern/Mentor Relationship
The professional relationship between a mentor and intern is a critical aspect of the field experience. The nature of this relationship can have a lasting impact on the intern as he/she transitions toward independence in the classroom and to assuming all the duties and responsibilities as a classroom teacher. This is also a rich experience for the mentor, as he/she guides and inducts a new colleague into the profession. It is important for both parties to realize that it takes time and effort to develop this type of meaningful working relationship. Specific practices and activities can help to establish and maintain this critical connection:
● Take time to get to know each other outside of the daily pressure of the classroom
● Set clear goals and develop a mutual understanding of expectations for everyone
● Keep lines of communication open by planning daily opportunities to talk, listen, reflect, plan, and address questions
● Work as a team to share classroom responsibilities and share a focus on student learning
● Adopt a positive attitude, as shown through words and actions
● Be respectful of each other as people and professionals
● Be flexible and open minded when receiving and providing constructive feedback
Mentor and Intern Joint Interview
During the first days of the field experience, the mentor and intern should set aside a short period of time to learn about each other, outside of the pressures of the school day. In this conversation, each person takes turns shares his/her answer to each question:
● What is your prior experience?
● How does teaching excite and challenge you?
● How would you describe your teaching style?
● What do you hope to learn or gain from the mentor/intern experience this semester?
● How would you describe your life outside of the school/classroom?
● What other things should I know about you?
Candidates will not be placed for a field experience in a classroom with a family member (children, parent, sibling, spouse, aunt/uncle, cousins, etc). Placement in a school where a family member is a faculty or staff member will be avoided, when possible. Candidates will be asked to disclose any family relationships in partner school districts on the Assistantship information form. Any relationship conflicts will be cross checked during Internship I and II placement procedures, but it is the responsibility of the intern to alert the Office of Clinical and Field Experience of a conflict. The program coordinator and the Clinical Coordinator will determine appropriate next steps for a change in field experience if a conflict is identified.
Candidates should use the appropriate titles when addressing or referring to a mentor, supervisor, parents or other educators during the field experience, as a sign of respect. All candidates should use the appropriate title (Mr. Miss, Ms., Mrs. or Dr.) and the individual’s last name when referring to mentors, supervisors, other educators and staff members. Even if a mentor indicates that a candidate could move to a first name basis, faculty feel this would be appropriate only after the candidate has graduated and would be considered a colleague of the mentor. Appropriate titles and surnames should also be used when addressing parents, even if the candidate has a prior social relationship with the parent outside of the classroom. Any candidate questions regarding how to address individuals should be directed to the candidate’s mentor or supervisor.
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