Questions to Ask Your Mentor Teacher
Strategic questions that help you learn from experienced educators, understand teaching best practices, and develop your own teaching skills while building a strong mentoring relationship.
1What drew you to teaching as a profession?
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What drew you to teaching as a profession?
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Why this works
Reveals their personal motivation and passion for education, helping you understand what drives successful teachers.
2How do you approach lesson planning and what factors do you consider?
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How do you approach lesson planning and what factors do you consider?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of preparation and reveals their systematic approach to instructional design.
3What strategies do you use to engage students who seem disinterested?
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What strategies do you use to engage students who seem disinterested?
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Why this works
Reveals their classroom management skills and shows you understand the challenges of student engagement.
4How do you handle difficult conversations with parents or guardians?
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How do you handle difficult conversations with parents or guardians?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of parent communication and reveals their approach to building positive relationships.
5What's your approach to differentiating instruction for students with different learning needs?
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What's your approach to differentiating instruction for students with different learning needs?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of inclusive education and shows you understand the importance of meeting diverse student needs.
6How do you stay current with educational trends and best practices?
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How do you stay current with educational trends and best practices?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of professional development and reveals their commitment to continuous learning.
7What role does technology play in your teaching, and how do you integrate it effectively?
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What role does technology play in your teaching, and how do you integrate it effectively?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to modern teaching tools and shows you understand the importance of technology in education.
8How do you build relationships with your students while maintaining professional boundaries?
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How do you build relationships with your students while maintaining professional boundaries?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the balance between connection and professionalism that's essential for effective teaching.
9What's your strategy for managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment?
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What's your strategy for managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment?
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Why this works
Reveals their classroom management philosophy and shows you understand the importance of creating a conducive learning environment.
10How do you assess student learning and provide meaningful feedback?
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How do you assess student learning and provide meaningful feedback?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of assessment and reveals their approach to evaluating and supporting student progress.
11What challenges do you face in teaching, and how do you overcome them?
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What challenges do you face in teaching, and how do you overcome them?
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Why this works
Reveals their problem-solving skills and shows you understand the realities of teaching while learning from their experience.
12How do you collaborate with other teachers and staff members?
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How do you collaborate with other teachers and staff members?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of teamwork and reveals their approach to building professional relationships.
13What advice would you give to someone just starting their teaching career?
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What advice would you give to someone just starting their teaching career?
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Why this works
Reveals their wisdom and experience while showing you're thinking about your own professional development.
14How do you handle situations where students are struggling academically or emotionally?
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How do you handle situations where students are struggling academically or emotionally?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the holistic nature of teaching and reveals their approach to supporting student well-being.
15What's your approach to professional development and continuing education?
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What's your approach to professional development and continuing education?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment to growth and shows you understand the importance of ongoing learning in teaching.
16How do you balance teaching responsibilities with personal life and self-care?
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How do you balance teaching responsibilities with personal life and self-care?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of work-life balance and reveals their approach to sustainable teaching practices.
17What opportunities exist for leadership and growth within the teaching profession?
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What opportunities exist for leadership and growth within the teaching profession?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about career advancement and reveals how the profession supports professional development.
18How do you handle criticism or feedback about your teaching?
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How do you handle criticism or feedback about your teaching?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to professional growth and shows you understand the importance of being open to feedback.
19What's the most rewarding aspect of teaching for you?
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What's the most rewarding aspect of teaching for you?
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Why this works
Reveals what motivates them and helps you understand the personal fulfillment aspects of the teaching profession.
20How can I best support you and learn from your experience?
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How can I best support you and learn from your experience?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the mentoring relationship and reveals your commitment to being a good mentee.
Best Practices for Learning from Mentor Teachers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Respectful of Their Time
Mentor teachers are busy professionals. Be thoughtful about when and how you ask questions, and always show appreciation for their guidance.
Observe and Learn
Pay attention to their teaching methods, classroom management techniques, and interactions with students. Learn by watching as well as asking.
Take Initiative
Don't wait for them to teach you everything. Show initiative in your own learning and be proactive about seeking opportunities to grow.
Question Sequences
The Teaching Philosophy Sequence
The Classroom Management Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Interrupt Their Teaching
Wait for appropriate moments to ask questions. Don't interrupt during lessons or when they're focused on students, as this can compromise the learning environment.
Avoid Personal Questions
Keep questions professional and focused on teaching and education. Avoid personal questions about their private life or financial situation.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume you know how teaching works. Ask questions to understand their specific approach and philosophy rather than making assumptions based on general knowledge.