A CSU Monterey Bay Cooperating Teacher serves as a mentor teacher for a Teacher Candidate enrolled in one of the co-teaching pathways of our programs (Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education).
Interested in being a Cooperating Teacher for a CSUMB Teacher Candidate? Please complete our Interest and Agreement Form.
Cooperating Teacher Minimum Eligibility Requirements include:
Evidence of effective teaching practices
Demonstrated mastery of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP), California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs), and best teaching practices
Ability to coach and mentor pre-service teachers through co-teaching and provide timely and effective feedback
Commitment to growing as a mentor
Demonstrated professional dispositions that align with the teaching profession
Understanding of site culture, policies, and expectations
Ability to effectively collaborate with peers and teacher candidate
Consummate professional who consistently contributes to a positive, professional school culture
Clear Credential in the content area for which they are providing supervision and a minimum of three years of content area K-12 teaching experience
Demonstrated exemplary teaching as determined by the district and CSUMB (CCTC requirement)
Adherence to the CSUMB Gradual Release of Responsibility Timeline
Ability and willingness to remain current in the knowledge and skills necessary for candidate supervision and adhere to program expectations (CTCC requirement)
Cooperating Teachers are expected to:
Help the candidate feel comfortable and welcome
Review school policies and procedures
Encourage the candidate to get involved in school activities
Clearly communicate expectations and assist the candidate in developing standards-based lessons
Share curriculum, materials, and ideas
Observe and provide constructive feedback
Know and implement the co-teaching strategies
Mentor and guide the teacher candidate
Model effective teaching strategies and professional behavior for the candidate
Be flexible, understanding, and patient
Allow the teacher candidate to try new ideas
Maintain consistency and accountability
Adhere to CSUMB's Suggested Timelines for Gradual Release of Responsibility
Complete two end-of-semester evaluations for the Teacher Candidate through S4
Click here to go to our CSUMB Cooperating Teacher Training and Support Page