The Role of
the University Supervisor
The University supervisor is the liaison between the college of education
and the local school system where teacher interns are placed for their
student teaching experience. The primary function of the supervisor is
to assist the teacher intern in developing teaching competency and provide
support to the mentor teacher. This individual may be
referred to as: Teacher Education Center Coordinator, Professional Development
Center Coordinator, School Based Supervision Team Supervisor, or University
Supervisor. The supervisor's professional title depends on the collaborative
or cooperative arrangements between the College of Education, the county,
and the schools where teacher interns are placed. Regardless of
the title of this position, the role is the same.
The university supervisor's role is a complex one involving several
activities and responsibilities. The following list identifies some
of the major responsibilities.
The university supervisor's role
in relationship to the teacher intern:
-
Provides an orientation seminar and coordinates or leads other seminars
throughout the semester for the teacher interns.
-
Conducts observations and follow up conferences with the teacher intern
and mentor teacher to assist in the improving of instruction, analyzing
problems, identifying strengths, and reflecting on teaching effectiveness.
-
Assists the teacher intern in becoming self reflective.
-
Counsels the teacher intern concerning problems.
-
Schedules midpoint and final evaluation conferences with the teacher intern,
and mentor teacher.
-
Writes final recommendation and assigns grade for teacher intern (Pass/fail
for undergraduates, letter grade for graduates).
The university supervisor's role in
relationship to the mentor teacher:
-
Interprets the student teaching program and requirements to the mentor
teacher.
-
Discusses the responsibilities of the role of a intern teacher.
-
Conducts three way conferences with the teacher intern and mentor
teacher after observing the teacher intern.
-
Acts as a resource for the mentor teacher
-
Maintains open communication with the mentor teacher regarding the
progress of the teacher intern.
-
Acts as an intermediary in conflict or misunderstandings between
the mentor teacher and the teacher intern.
-
Coordinates meetings with school and university personnel to discuss problem
situations.
-
Maintains contact with the school administrator and other school personnel
to promote and sustain good working relations between the school and the
university.
-
Makes recommendations for future student teaching placements and mentor
teachers.
The university supervisor is an important factor in the student teaching
program. This individual can provide the support needed by both the
teacher intern and the mentor teacher. The supervisors at
the University of Maryland represent the education profession. Most
of the supervisors enter this role with a background of knowledge and experience
in teaching, administration or specialized graduate studies. Therefore,
they should not be overlooked in serving as a resource person or contact
for curricular, instructional, and organizational matters.
Teacher interns, mentor teachers and university supervisors
collectively bring a wealth of knowledge, experiences, skills, and insight
to this experience. In order for each to be most effective in performing
their roles it is important to maintain open, honest communication,
and a partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and professional
growth for each participant in the student teaching experience.
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Table of Contents | Introduction
| The Teacher Intern | Planning
For Effective Instruction |
The Mentor Teacher | The
Role of the University Supervisor |
Evaluating the Performance of
the Teacher Intern |
Policies, Procedures and Professional
Ethics
Return to Teacher Education Home Page
Please contact Dorothy McKnight, Placement Coordinator,
for questions or comments about this site.
Last updated on November 20, 2002
