What is the role of a cooperating teacher?

The role of a cooperating teacher is primarily centered around supervision and mentorship of a student teacher. This teacher takes on the responsibility of guiding a novice educator through their first teaching experiences, providing essential feedback, sharing teaching strategies, and helping to develop the student teacher’s skills in the classroom. This mentorship relationship is crucial as it allows the student teacher to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting while receiving support and insights from someone who is experienced in the field.

A cooperating teacher actively facilitates the student teacher’s development by modeling effective teaching practices, encouraging reflective practices, and helping them navigate the complexities of classroom management and lesson delivery. The cooperating teacher’s involvement is instrumental in bridging the gap between the theoretical aspects of teacher education and the realities of teaching.