Becoming a Cooperating Teacher has been one of the most rewarding things I have done, and serving as a music mentor for new choir teachers in my area is something I hope to do for the rest of my career. This interest drove me to study beginning teachers and as part of this study I have interviewed experienced cooperating teachers and have summarized their advice below. I highly recommend the book Handbook for the Music Mentor (Conway, Smith, & Hodgman).
Interview the Candidate The process of pairing you with a student teacher can vary with universities. I recommend trying to have a regular dialogue with the university supervisor and interviewing student teacher candidates before agreeing to take them on if at all possible. Both sides need to be assured the fit will work between the personalities of the teachers and the schools. Let the candidate observe you (or even better do their practicum or clinical experience at your school). First Meeting When you know they're your student teacher, meet with them before the placement begins.
Suggested Documents for your Student Teacher (ST)
And I'd recommend creating a handbook just for your student teachers. Include:
Check out my Student Teacher Handbook for more information. Feel free to steal any of this for your own use! Adult Learners Student Teaching is an extremely fragile time. No matter your age gap with your student teachers, know that they need a nurturing relationship and a mentor who will challenge them. We have a teacher shortage in our country and it is our responsibility as cooperating teachers to get each student teacher as far up to "speed" as we can so they can find success in their classrooms. Also realize your student teacher is an adult and therefore should be treated differently than how you treat your students. Be diligent, fair, and tenacious and you will hopefully have a fantastic experience with this new teacher! A few words of warning
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