FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What role does a mentor play for a beginning teacher?

1. Advocates for higher salaries

2. Promotes and supports peer teacher growth

3. Evaluates teaching performance

4. Reduces classroom size

The correct answer is: Promotes and supports peer teacher growth

The role of a mentor for a beginning teacher primarily revolves around promoting and supporting the growth of peer teachers. Mentors provide guidance, share their experience, and offer constructive feedback, which can significantly enhance the new teacher's skills and confidence in the classroom. This supportive relationship helps the novice educator navigate the challenges of their early career, fostering both their personal and professional development. While advocating for higher salaries, evaluating teaching performance, and addressing classroom size are important aspects of the educational landscape, they do not directly reflect the primary responsibilities of a mentor. Mentors focus on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages growth and improvement among teachers, making their role invaluable in the early stages of a teaching career.