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How to Be the Best Student Teacher in History 
 
by Katherine Shaw June 17, 2005

I don't think my mentoring teacher likes me. What should I do?

Give it some time, first of all. Your mentor may be nervous, shy, or just someone who finds it hard to express feelings. Make sure you keep your tone light and enthusiastic no matter how you're feeling. Sometimes a mentor seems standoffish when he is actually reacting to your own tension--which may make you seem like you don't like him.

Communication is as important in a mentor-student teacher relationship as it is in any other relationship. If you really think your mentor doesn't like you, or doesn't approve of you in some way, try asking him--sincerely, without a trace of sarcasm or resentment--if there is something you're doing wrong. Explain that you feel that you're not living up to his expectations. If he makes any suggestions, even if you don't agree with them, follow them as closely as you can. If he says you're doing a good job--fine, you're doing a good job. One of the things you're learning during your internship is how to get along with all sorts of different people. You and your mentor may not be a great match, but that doesn't mean you can't work together as professionals.

Occasionally, however, a student teacher really has a serious personality clash with a mentor. This is when you need to keep your mouth shut and do your job as well as you can, but make sure you contact your field supervisor as soon as possible with an explanation of the situation. It's possible she will decide to move you to a different placement, but that's her decision, not yours. The worst thing you can do is demand that you be moved, and the next worst thing you can do is badmouth your mentor to anyone except your field supervisor (and maybe your best friend). Least said, soonest mended.

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