Qualities of Cooperating Teachers

Cooperating Teachers are life-long learners. They approach teaching as practitioners.Therefore, they participate in ongoing professional development for the betterment of their craft.
Cooperating Teachers model professionalism.They understand that teaching is a profession.From their appearance and preparation to the way they manage their classroom and conduct their daily business, they approach their jobs as professionals.They are leaders.
Cooperating Teachers have experience in working with diverse student populations, to include Special Education students with Individual Educational Plans (IEP’s), Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students, English Learners (EL’s) and students reflecting diverse cultures.
Cooperating Teachers have a commitment to providing effective instruction.
Cooperating Teachers have “people skills”.They have the ability to develop trust and a positive working relationship with all people; they develop a rapport with students, parents, faculty members, staff and administrators.
Cooperating Teachers have a sense of fair play.They realize that their students can sense it, look for it, and expect to see it from their teacher on a daily basis.
Cooperating Teachers are caring.They will take a teacher credential candidate “under their wing” and “go that extra mile” to help them succeed.
Cooperating Teachers build up the confidence level of the teacher credential candidate through positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and regular, constructive feedback.
Cooperating Teachers provide recommendations and suggestions that are clear and positive.
Cooperating Teachers are patient.
Cooperating Teachers have sound judgment in determining the readiness of the teacher credential candidate to assume total responsibility of the classroom.
Cooperating Teachers take the time to actually coach and provide personal attention to details; they share materials, books, ideas, strategies, and techniques.
Cooperating Teachers are able to identify a “teachable moment”.When the teacher credential candidate encounters a difficult student, lesson, or situation, the Cooperating Teachers follows up by providing tips and/or suggestions on how to best handle such situations.While not planned, such teachable moments allow the teacher credential candidates the opportunity to learn from these experiences.
Cooperating Teachers communicate effectively in writing.