Standards Connections

You know we want to model what we teach and practice what we preach! Standards drive so many of our decisions, and our work with you is no different. This mentee preparation module is connected to the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTPs), a set of standards by which you'll be evaluated as a professional educator in Ohio (yes, even after you graduate!). Your preservice field placements are a great place to practice these skills, especially those connected to Standards 6 and 7.

Standard 6: Teachers collaborate and communicate with students, parents, other educators, administrators, and the community to support student learning.

OSTP 6.1 Teachers communicate clearly and effectively.

OSTP 6.3 Teachers collaborate effectively with other teachers, administrators and school and district staff.

Standard 7: Teachers assume responsibility for professional growth, performance, and involvement as an individual and as a member of a learning community.

OSTP 7.1 Teachers understand, uphold and follow professional ethics, policies and legal codes of professional conduct.

OSTP 7.2 Teachers take responsibility for engaging in continuous, purposeful professional development.

1. How do your most successful mentees communicate with you? Consider frequency and form (email, text, in-person).

2. How can mentees achieve a balance of asking questions while also demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving?

Follow-up: What's your preference? Would you rather have a mentee who asks LOTS of questions, or a mentee who is willing to take initiative to solve problems independently?

3. How and when should mentees communicate with you and your colleagues to identify and meet students' needs?

4. How can students make the most of their field placement to learn how to function as a collaborative member of the school and classroom community?

5. What are the most common mistakes you see mentees making in the classroom, and what is the most important attribute you think helps mentees succeed in the classroom?