Mentor Teacher FAQs

Why would I want to have a Cal Teach student in my classroom?
Cal Teach students are there to support you and your students. They can serve as an extra person to ask questions and support students in lab work, they can work with small groups of students or with students one on one. They also serve as college-going role models.

What are the characteristics of an effective mentor teacher?
Availability: the mentor is available to and initiates contact with the Cal Teach student.
Reflective Questioning: The mentor takes the opportunity to ask reflective questions of their Cal Teach student to help the student look at his or her teaching practices with an eye for improvement.
Feedback: The mentor engages in observing the Cal Teach student's interactions with students and provides positive peer coaching feedback in a timely manner that is specific andt is designed to increase the Cal Teach student's teaching skills by reinforcing "Best Practices" that are observed.
Encouragement: The Mentor encourages the Cal Teach student to try new things, expand his or her teaching skills and become actively involved with students, parents and staff.
Content Knowledge: The Mentor demonstrates an in depth understanding of content, pedagogy and student standards. The mentor actively interprets how the content can be put into practice in the classroom using effective pedagogy for all students.
Managing Student Learning: The mentor can effectively manage and monitor student learning for students, can systematically organize lessons and offers assistance.

Do the students teach lessons in my classroom?
We ask that all students get a chance to teach at least two lessons during their field placement. They will receive feedback and support in the development and implementation of the lesson from their course on campus as well as from you. As students progress through the program our hope is that they will get more and more opportunities to practice teaching.

How much will I get paid?
Mentor teachers receive a stipend or $275 per student for being a mentor teacher. There are some additional requirements to receive the stipend such as attending a field placement orientation and completing an online survey.

What are Cal Teach students like?
Cal Teach students are predominately math, science and engineering majors who have an interest in giving back to the community by working in the classroom and who are exploring the possibility of becoming teachers. They are students with a love for learning as well as a love for math and science that they want to share with you and your students.

 

 

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