Why Be a Cooperating Teacher?

Cooperating teachers serve as mentors, models and instructors to student teachers; they are one of TC's most valuable resources. By welcoming a novice into their classroom (remotely or in-person), cooperating teachers demonstrate their willingness to: guide student teachers in planning and implementing curriculum.

Why is a cooperating teacher important?

The cooperating teacher will serve as a model and information source, helping each student teacher improve professional skills, strategies, interpersonal rapport, and understanding of both cognitive and affective aspects of teaching and other professional responsibilities.

What is an ideal cooperating teacher?

The cooperating teachers described an ideal relationship with the student teacher as being based on components such as good communication, trust, and respect. Their actual relationship, however, was described as including both personal and professional dimensions.