A professor who doesn't communicate expectations at all. A professor who doesn't adequately cover material, leaving you to go over the material again while dealing with dissatisfied students. A professor whose teaching style is incompatible with yours. Students also talked about their ideal teaching mentor. Ideal mentors act as if they care about what you are doing, maybe even observing your section and giving you feedback.
Ideal mentors meet regularly, even weekly, with their GSIs.
Getting What You Want Dean encouraged the new GSIs to ask for what they want. For example, if you want your instructor to observe your section, ask. She also recommends that you approach your professor with a list of questions before you start teaching. Remember that a GSI with a 50 percent appointment should not put in more than 16 to 20 hours a week on average. Some professors like to be informed, so that they can send out warnings.