The cooperating teacher’s responsibility is to model the professional attitude, knowledge, and skills that constitute thoughtful, effective, and caring teaching. Cooperating teachers share their knowledge, visions, and enthusiasm with student teachers. They observe the student teachers in action and provide oral feedback consistently as well as written feedback on the evaluation form. Cooperating teachers help student teachers build confidence, welcome them to the teaching placement, and provide information regarding school or agency policies.

Student teachers can expect cooperating teachers to provide academic and professional guidance consistent with best practice, assist in planning intervention strategies, and observe and debrief their work in a constructive manner. Cooperating teachers will share their expertise in other positive ways such as helping students develop curriculum materials, assess students and family needs, build relationships with parents, and establish a classroom climate that facilitates learning. Cooperating teachers must also be willing to engage student teachers in reflective conversations about practice and provide access to student records and IFSP/IEP goals and objectives.

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