Your role in the preparation of future teachers is the role of professional expert and mentor. You are the role model who demonstrates how to vary teaching techniques, how to work effectively with students, how to plan thoroughly, and how to manage a supportive learning environment.
As a member of a co-teaching partnership, the Cooperating Teacher will support the Student Teacher in the planning and delivery of lessons, using the co-teaching models outlined in the Appendix. You have the opportunity to help our students develop into the competent and confident teachers our schools not only need, but expect.
The student teaching experience should consist of both observation and classroom teaching. The teaching consists not only of the actual teaching of students in the classroom but also of the numerous responsibilities that are a part of it. They include but are not limited to: assigning tasks to pupils, giving and marking tests, working with small groups of students, and suggesting materials and methods which might be used to enhance classroom activities, communicating with families, and interacting with colleagues and other professionals.
Here are some possible things that you can do to support the Student Teacher:
These teachers-in-training are still learning. We hope you will understand that their level of performance cannot be measured by your level of accomplishment. Our expectation is that when these students complete their student teaching experience they will have entry level skills for the teaching profession.
LIABILITY
At all times, the Cooperating Teacher needs to be in the classroom with the Student Teacher. If absent, please let the substitute teacher know that they need to remain in the classroom with the Student Teacher.
We appreciate your efforts on behalf of our Student Teachers as well as our profession.