PHASES IN STUDENT TEACHING

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THECOOPERATING TEACHERThe cooperating teacher is the person most directly concerned with guiding a student teacher through the process oflearning to teach. There are a number of roles he or she must assume, including the role of Coach, of Model, ofObserver, and of Evaluator. Responsibilities related to serving as a Cooperating Teacher grow out of these roles.Additional information is found on pages 17-19. Specifically, the cooperating teacher is expected to: Attend an informational and orientation meeting held on the Carroll College campus. Work with the principal and other school personnel to orient the student teacher to the school, pupils,community. Plan the schedule of teaching experiences in which the student teacher will engage, gradually workingtoward the student teacher’s opportunity to become fully responsible for the classroom teaching andlearning. Provide opportunities for the student teacher to evaluate and assess pupil learning. Plan the student teacher’s assumption of non-teaching roles. Model attitudes and teaching strategies. Help with and approve lesson plans of the student teacher. Observe the student teacher, keep notes on the observations, and plan opportunities for the student teacherto observe effective instruction. Confer routinely with the student teacher, providing evaluative feedback and suggestions for improvement. Meet with the college supervisor during the placement, conferring about scheduling, student progress,evaluations, and any problems that occur. Complete an online midterm and final evaluation (for instructions see page ) Write a letter of recommendation for the student’s credential file at the end of the student teachingexperience. Contact the Director of Teacher Education if questions or concerns arise.ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEPARTICIPATING SCHOOL AND BUILDING PRINCIPALThe principal of the participating school plays a key role in the process of placing the student. She or he is contactedby the student teaching placement coordinator for permission to assign a student teacher to the building. The principalusually orients the student teacher to the school and the district and acts as a resource person to both the student and thecooperating teacher. Some principals observe the student teacher and/or confer with the student teacher and cooperatingteacher on a regular basis Some prefer to leave the observation role up to the cooperating teacher unless requested toparticipate. Carroll College is supportive of whatever role individual principals prefer to take beyond the placement andinitial orientation activities. It is hoped that a student teacher will be welcome to develop contacts with school officepersonnel, and to seek assistance and information as necessary. Principals are encouraged to contact the Director ofTeacher Education or the Education Program Area Coordinator if questions or concerns arise.13