Associate Teachers are integral to learning and growth of teacher-candidates. They serve as "first mentors" to our newest teachers by providing ongoing consulting, collaborating and coaching support during and often well beyond the practicum placement.
The diagram below (and this glideshow) is my attempt to summarize the strong connection between the foundational elements of mentorship and the role of associate teachers. We know in Ontario many associate teachers also serve as mentors as part of the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP). As the diagram illustrates, the one key difference in these roles is the responsibility of associate teachers for evaluating the teacher-candidate during their practicum.
5 Ideas to Consider
Building Relational Trust
Goal Setting Conversations
- What strengths and attributes do you bring to your role?
- What are your hopes, wishes and dreams for your students?
- What goals do you have for your professional learning this year?
- How do you see our collaboration best working?
- What are the best ways for us to communicate? (preferred tools, times, methods)
- Who else can provide support and mentorship?
- What are the next steps in our collaboration?
Goal Setting Conversations Video (1 min 11 sec)
Scaling Questions
- On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst lesson you’ve experienced and 10 being the best, how was this lesson?
- Oh a <e.g., 6> – What were the positive things that made it a 6?
- How might you bump it up a notch to a 7? (specific ideas)
- Continue with Coaching stance or shift to Consultant or Collaborator based on needs
Appreciative Inquiry
Learning Focused Conversations
NTIP Learning Themes