When meeting with a mentor teacher, it’s best to:

• A. Tell them what you will do without questions
• B. Sit silently
• C. Ask clarifying questions to understand expectations
• D. Focus on personal agenda

Answer: (C)

As you begin a meeting with a mentor teacher, you want to focus on understanding what success looks like and how you’ll work together to achieve it. Asking clarifying questions to understand expectations shows you’re engaged and serious about growing as a teacher. It helps you learn exactly what the mentor wants you to accomplish, how you’ll be evaluated, what procedures and routines you should follow, and which resources are available to you. This kind of inquiry creates a clear, shared plan so your goals align with the classroom needs and the program’s standards, making feedback more targeted and useful.

Telling them what you will do without asking questions can leave you guessing about what’s expected and may lead to drift from the actual objectives. Sitting silently misses the opportunity to gain guidance and to signal your commitment to learning. Focusing on a personal agenda can derail the collaboration, making it harder to receive the mentor’s support and align with the school's expectations.