Mentor’s guide: Modeling the work of teaching

What is this practice?

Modeling the work of teaching refers to demonstrating some part of the work of teaching under authentic circumstances for a specific purpose. We usually think of mentors modeling instruction by standing in front of the class while the teacher candidate observes. But “the work of teaching” involves a lot more. You can also model how to interact with other teachers, interact with parents (face-to-face, on the phone, via e-mail), interact with students outside of instructional time, deal with management issues, and inquire into your own practice.

Why is it important?

Modeling parts of teaching provides TCs with opportunities to experience and better envision how instructional strategies and interactions play out in practice, without simultaneously being responsible for figuring out how to respond to what happens. These are prime opportunities for TCs to notice, wonder, and draw connections between student learning/participation and instruction.

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