In UT’s Teacher Education program, a mentor is an experienced educator who provides guidance, support, and feedback to teacher candidates throughout their clinical experience. Mentors play a crucial role in helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering insights into classroom management, lesson planning, and instructional strategies. They serve as role models, offering real-world advice while fostering the professional growth of future teachers. Mentors also observe and assess the teacher candidate’s performance, providing constructive feedback to help them develop and refine their teaching skills. Through regular communication and collaboration, mentors are dedicated to ensuring that teacher candidates gain the confidence and experience needed to succeed in the classroom and ultimately become effective educators.
If you are interested in serving as a mentor teacher, please contact OSBE@utk.edu.
This online handbook offers valuable information for teachers who serve as mentors to our current students. As a mentor for a UT student, you will find essential resources outlining the requirements, expectations, and best practices for a successful mentor experience. These resources are easily accessible through the linked buttons below or via the navigation bar on the site. The handbook is designed to guide you through your role as a mentor, providing the tools and information needed to support the professional growth and development of our teacher candidates.
Mentor Teacher Training Slides
The Mentor Teacher Training Slides provide an overview of the key responsibilities and expectations for teachers who are mentoring UT interns. These slides offer a step-by-step guide on how to effectively support and guide teacher candidates during their clinical experience. The training also emphasizes the importance of communication between mentor teachers, interns, and faculty, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working together to promote the student’s growth.