Student Teaching – Cooperating Teacher Resources

The Cooperating Teacher is the keystone in the bridge between theory and practice, as well as between preparation at SJU and the world in which the student will teach.  As a seasoned professional, the Cooperating Teacher mentors the Student Teacher, provides models for the Student Teacher to emulate, and shares knowledge and suggestions for continued improvement.  The Cooperating Teacher must have a willingness to allow the Student Teacher to take responsibility for teaching and managing their classes.

• The Cooperating teacher MUST hold the same certification you are seeking.
• All cooperating teachers MUST have at least three years teaching experience and one full year at the school you will be student teaching at. 
• Note: For some student teaching placements, the cooperating teacher serves as the teacher candidate’s University Supervisor. The role title for these individuals is Cooperating Teacher-Supervisor.

The following resources are applicable to Cooperating Teachers. Please see the appropriate Student Teaching Handbooks below for more on these roles.

Spring 2025 Student Teaching Dates:

January 14, 2025 through April 25, 2025

Cooperating Teacher Summative Assessment of Student Teacher Form (CTSAST)

Teacher Candidate Disposition Assessment (TDA) Purpose and Instructions
 

A copy of the completed TDA form automatically gets sent to the student teacher and the University mentor. This form needs to be completed prior to a three-way conference at mid-semester with the student teacher and student teacher’s mentor. Only the Student Teaching University Supervisor submits the form.

Instructions to Register for Stipend Payment

To be paid for your service, please complete the following steps:

1. Fill out the Supervisor, Cooperating Teacher-Supervisor, and Cooperating Teacher Form. The form is found below...
2. Please follow all the steps in the form. If you have any trouble please email Liz McCreight at emccreight@sju.edu

 Spring 2025 Supervisor, Cooperating Teacher-Supervisor, and Cooperating Teacher Form  

• Student Teaching Handbook
• Student Teaching: Cooperating Teacher/ University Supervisor Orientation Slide Deck
• Student Teaching: Cooperating Teacher/ University Supervisor Orientation Recording 

Many school districts are reluctant to release full responsibility to student teachers and prefer the Co-Teaching Model of Student Teaching.  Below are important resources to improve classroom instruction by utilizing both the cooperating teacher and the student-teacher for instruction.

• Short Introduction to Co-Teaching
• Definitions and Examples of Co-Teaching*

*The Academy for Co-Teaching, St. Cloud State University