Candidates need to be thoroughly prepared for embarking on a mentorship experience. In addition to classroom preparation that focuses on teaching, exploration, and student learning, there are practical concerns to be addressed as well. Minnesota State University, Mankato and each school district will provide the candidate with a packet that contains a combination of the following:
These agreements outline the responsibilities of both the school-based mentor and the candidate, as well as the purpose of the academic expectations for the mentorship experience. The forms should be signed by the candidate, the school-base mentor, school administrator, and the program coordinator.
While the classroom preparation usually covers this information, it is important to reinforce the message that dress and behavior standards in the workplace are different than those at school. Candidates are representing the program, Minnesota State University, and the K-12 school, as well as themselves. Each candidate should be aware of the dress code at their school and discuss appropriate attire with their mentor. Candidates should be informed district policy and procedures, (i.e., sexual harassment) and appropriate steps to take in reporting incidents.
Candidates should develop and reflect on a list of goals and objectives for the mentorship experience. The list should include skills they want to acquire and concepts they need to understand. Goals and objectives should relate directly to the classroom work, the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, and Danielson's framework.
Candidates should develop and list questions in their journals to discuss with school-based mentors.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato program coordinator will provide each candidate with a checklist that includes everything they need to do to prepare for the internship experience. In preparation for the internship, the candidate will be introduced to "The Nuts and Bolts of Effective Teaching" based on the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice (MN SEP), and Danielson's framework.
Throughout the internship, candidates will be evaluated by their school-based mentor and MnSU-M supervisor. Evaluation forms will be provided at the beginning of the experience so the candidate is aware of the things on which they will be evaluated. This may also be helpful as they develop a list of goals and objectives.
