Clinical Experiences Handbook

Table of contents

Supervisory dispositions expected of cooperating teachers and University supervisors

The student teaching experience can be an exciting time of personal and professional growth. It can also be a time when student teachers may face a number of conflicts and tensions. Cooperating teachers and University supervisors are both in a position to offer the professional support and encouragement needed by students to deal successfully with the natural ups and downs of becoming a teacher.

1. Show care, concern, and commitment to student teachers.
2. Share the thinking underlying your instructional and supervisory decisions.
3. Help student teachers reflect on the reasons and purposes for their instructional decisions.
4. Encourage student teachers to reflect on their performance, identifying both strengths and areas of needed improvement.
5. Use positive phrasing that helps student teachers understand what they need to work towards rather than what they have done wrong.
6. Build on the strengths of student teachers.
7. Share openly with student teachers regarding positive reactions you have to their performance or your level of concern.
8. Build and maintain professional, confidential relationships with student teachers.
9. Work with student teachers step-by-step toward independent performance.
10. Help student teachers feel they are a part of the school staff.

Revised August 2005

Know someone who would be a good cooperating teacher? Turn 'em in to stuteach@umn.edu!