JacksTeach seeks to work with experienced elementary, middle and high school teachers serving as mentors to our students during field experiences. Mentor teachers open their classrooms to teams of two to three JacksTeach students, offering guidance and support as SFA students begin to learn about classroom teaching.

FAQ

What are the responsibilities of a mentor teacher?

Mentor teachers will:

  • attend a brief professional development planning session prior to each semester
  • provide supervision and coaching/evaluation of lessons taught by JacksTeach students
  • communicate (via email or phone) with the students during the lesson planning process
  • provide feedback on written lesson plans
  • assume primary responsibility for classroom management
  • provide assistance to JacksTeach students during group activities
  • and complete short reviews of their performance at the end of each lesson.

Who are JacksTeach students?

The students who will teach in your classroom will be SFA undergraduates who are either just beginning to explore teaching as a career or have committed to completing certification. They receive ongoing instruction in lesson design, classroom management, and science and mathematics content, but they are not yet apprentice (clinical) teachers.

A students’ final decision to pursue teaching as a career will be greatly influenced by their experiences in the classroom and with mentor teachers.

How will I benefit as a mentor teacher?

  • A stipend will be awarded to you by the JacksTeach program once the semester’s work with your JacksTeach students has been completed.
  • Your students will be exposed to inquiry-based math/science lesson plans taught by STEM undergraduates. JacksTeach students can also be positive role models for young students.
  • You will have the opportunity to help prepare highly qualified future educators in a nationally recognized program.

How are students scheduled into my classroom?

Your school district and principal will need to agree to allow JacksTeach students to teach in your classroom during your regularly scheduled mathematics or science periods. You will provide JacksTeach course instructors your preferred days/times/class periods for hosting a JacksTeach students. The instructor will then select students whose schedules match your own.