Student Teaching Handbook - Butler University

e. Invite you cooperating teacher to use an observation form as s/he observes you in a teaching role. Your
University Supervisor can provide an extra copy of the form they use.
f. Review with your cooperating teacher the existing student assessment procedures for your particular
grade level before you assess student work.
g. Find out what curricular units of study are coming up and how you will assist or plan fully for their
implementation.
h. Tell your cooperating teacher, in case of your absence, you will let him/her AND the Butler University
Supervisor know when you can’t be at school to carry out student teaching responsibilities. Explain you
will have lesson plans available for your cooperating teacher to follow for all subjects that you are currently
teaching if such absence occurs.
i. Inform the cooperating teacher that you will follow the vacation schedule of the school to which you
are assigned with the exception of Butler University’s Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break. Due to
housing conflicts you will follow the University’s vacation schedule for those two breaks.
Performance Evidence Gathering
The cooperating teacher needs to read the following and the student teacher needs to do the following:
11. As you start to work with the whole class, use drama to make a point with the students. Model the behavior you
desire. Be sure to model constantly. Keep a listing of your experiences as caring evidence.
12. Discuss with your cooperating teacher and university supervisor ways you can begin working with students: oneto-one,
student pairs, and small groups.
13. Keep your students busy. Always have options available for children who finish their work. Be consistent in routine!
Keep a written record of student work choices as commitment evidence.
14. Let students know what you expect. Deadlines, contracts, rules, etc. should be written out. Unless otherwise directed,
promote the idea that the class belongs to all of you, that the rules are class rules, not just your rules, etc.
Ownership begets responsibility! Keep copies of contracts and rules as competency evidence.
15. Write out your lesson plans. Check with your cooperating teacher about appropriate formats. Make sure your
plans include state proficiencies for children, as well as school district instructional objectives. Show your plans
to your cooperating teacher before you teach a designated lesson. Keep a copy of each lesson plan as evidence of
your caring, commitment, and competency.
16. Check out websites that are useful to beginning teachers. Document, as evidence, each useful site you find and
how it helped you.
17. Ask for help if you need it! Your university supervisor is available as a sounding board, a confidant, an encourager,
and someone whose teaching experience you can count on.
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