Alhamdulillah, there is always a keen interest for new recruits to join the Madressa. In order to gradually introduce them into teaching, each potential teacher is required to shadow an experienced teacher in order to gain an insight into classroom management and teaching techniques.

The period of ‘shadowing time’ required is unspecified, but usually we would expect it to be approximately 6 months. Barring exceptional circumstances, there should be a maximum of 1 shadow teacher per class. This is to ensure that adequate attention is given to all new recruits.

Below are some tips for teachers who have teachers shadowing them...

• Spend some time discussing with your shadow teacher any previous experience s/he may have in teaching and share with them your experience of teaching in Madressa 
   
• Encourage them to actively participate from the very beginning!
  Although it may be useful for your shadow to spend a couple of weeks observing, try to get them involved as soon as possible –  ‘doing’ is a much better way of learning then ‘watching’.
  This may be in the form of explaining a particular aspect of a topic, giving a personal account, taking questions at the end etc. then gradually build on this.
  The aim of shadowing is to gain experience – so ensure that as much time as possible is spent doing just that. 
   
• At the end of each lesson, spend a few minutes to give constructive feedback – identifying their strengths, and areas that can be improved. 
   
• Ensure that the class provides the same respect to you shadow as they would to yourself
   
• Involve your shadow teacher in the setting and marking of assessments.
  If possible, allow the shadow teacher to mark a few projects – and then to compare his marks with yours.
  Under no circumstances however, should a shadow teacher be expected to set or mark any form of assessment unaided. 
   
• A shadow teacher should not be left to teach a class on his/her own (e.g. to cover the main teachers absence) until s/he has completed at least minimum of 3 months teaching under supervision.

In summary, teachers should have SMART expectations of shadow teachers