COOPERATING TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Selection of the Cooperating Teacher:

Professional qualifications that are indicative of the basis upon which the selection should be made include:

1.     Three or more years of successful teaching experience (highly qualified) and at least one year's experience in the school where currently employed.

2.     A thorough knowledge of his/her teaching field or fields, a working knowledge of related fields, and experience in a wide variety of teaching methods and techniques.

3.     A pleasing personality, a cooperative attitude, the ability to put other people at ease, and an appreciation of the problems of a beginning teacher.

4.     Sufficient patience and flexibility to allow the student teacher latitude to try a variety of methods and materials, even though they differ from those he/she commonly uses.

5.     Ability to work with another person in the classroom and to command professional respect from his/her colleagues.

6.     A desire to work with the student teacher as a co-worker and to encourage experimentation.

7.     Ability to treat situations objectively, to maintain effective pupil control, to assume school responsibilities, and to participate in the affairs of the school.

Roles of the Cooperating Teacher:

The cooperating teacher assumes certain definite responsibilities as he/she directs the activities of the student teacher; however, his/her legal responsibility is to the instructional program of the school and to such other duties as the school authorities may delegate.  It would be nearly impossible to list all of the situations that may arise;  thus, the list that follows is not intended to be inclusive but representative:

1.     To provide background information concerning the school community, the school plant, the school staff, and the pupils in the school.

2.     To accept the student teacher as a fellow professional, to help him/her gain confidence, and to assist in the development of rapport with other teachers.

3.     To assist the student teacher in planning and carrying out learning activities for large groups, small groups, and for individual students.

4.     To explain to the student teacher the policies of the school and the special facilities available.

5.     To provide, whenever possible, an opportunity for participation in some activities outside of the regular classroom responsibilities.

6.     To help arrange and schedule visitation within the school in order to provide a wide range of observations in other areas and at several grade levels.

7.     To provide for the student teacher's gradual progression to the assumption of major teaching responsibilities as he/she progresses from observation to full-time teaching.

8.     To assist the student teacher in analyzing and critically evaluating his/her practices, competencies, and contributions to the student's learning by continual evaluation and conferences following observations.

9.     To provide a written evaluation in triplicate at least three times during the student teaching experience.  Return a copy to the Office of Field Experiences.

10.   To complete and share with the student teacher a Periodic Progress Report at least three times during the student teaching experience.  Return a copy to the Office of Field Experiences.

11.   To provide a final evaluation of the student teacher.  Return the original to the Office of Field Experiences.

                                                         CONSIDERATIONS

COOPERATING TEACHERS  Please consider the following ideas for student teachers:

• Prepare the class for the arrival of the student teacher by informing the students that they will benefit from another teacher in the room.  Be enthusiastic!  Plan a work space for the student teacher.

• At visitation, provide copies of books and materials available and perhaps decide on a unit or work sample topic.  If at all possible, a list of expectations and a calendar of assignments would be helpful.

• Introduce the student teacher to the class and other staff members in a dignified manner.

• Quickly include the student teacher in activities on the first day with the intent of gradually increasing the involvement.

• Fully discuss and check for understanding all rules, procedures, and routines of the school and classroom.  The building principal should present school policies.

• Schedule special conference times before, during, or after school to ensure that "time to talk" is available on a daily basis.

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISORS

• Supervisor's Logs  Keep exact and brief records.  This data is compiled for an annual report to the dean and related research.  Travel log data is a requisite for reimbursement.  The log provides the Office of Field Experiences with travel and expense information.  Please attach any original lodging receipts.

• Paper Portfolio  It is important to keep the student teacher informed of these requirements.  Progress should be continual with the finished product ready the last week of student teaching.  The University Supervisor has the sole responsibility to assess the quality and completion of the paper portfolio using the rubric provided.  (The e-portfolio will be handed in at the Diversity Seminar and graded by department personnel.)

• Grades  Grades must be turned in at the Office of Field Experiences as soon as possible following the completion of the culminating seminar.  Unless the office receives a completed grade request form, a final evaluation from both university supervisor and cooperating teacher, and log of visits, a grade of incomplete will be issued to the student teacher.

• Travel Authorizations and Vouchers  Reimbursement for mileage, meals, and lodging is handled by the Office of Field Experiences.  An advance can be obtained to cover expenses through the business office by (1) filing the Travel Authorization card and, (2) making arrangements with the business office for the advance.  In any event, supervisors must make sure that they have signed travel authorization for insurance purposes before traveling out of town.  A travel payment detail needs to be completed and filed before reimbursement will be paid.