Cooperating Teacher Orientation for Student Teacher

Preparing for the Student Teacher

• Become familiar with all of the available background information on student teacher.
• Communicate with students, parents, and school staff regarding the assignment of a student teacher.
• Arrange for a work area, computer access and other basic necessities for student teacher.
• Contact and share instructional information and materials with student teacher prior to arrival.
• Make tentative plans for student teacher's early observation of other teachers, initial teaching a participatory experiences, and orientation to the school building.

Brief Student Teacher on School Procedures

• Reporting teacher and student absences/tardiness.
• Fire, tornado, lock down drill and treat assessment procedures.
• Use of school property including instructional materials and electronics. • Reporting of student injuries or illness.
• Recess and lunch duties and responsibilities.
• Process to release students early.
• Use of the Media Center.
• Specific roles of school staff including principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, counselors, teachers, instructional coaches, support staff, etc.
• Process to order supplies and support materials.
• Attendance at staff meetings, in-service/staff development trainings, collaboration days, parent-teacher conferences and other extended teacher responsibilities.

Brief Student Teacher on Classroom Environment Procedures

• Discuss classroom management procedures including:
  • establish routines and daily schedules
  • distribution and collection of materials
  • seating plans and charts
  • progressive discipline process

Brief Student Teacher on Classroom Procedures for Instruction

• Discuss communicating with students including:
  • providing directions and procedures
  • grade level indicators and benchmarks
  • district and state testing requirements
  • assessment of instruction and grading practices
  • use of computers, media and other technologies for instruction
  • use of instructional materials and resources to engage students in learning
• Review and discuss TSDs' Standards-Based Teaching and Learning Framework.
• Discuss the development, format, and expectations of lesson plans and the use of approved district curriculum.

Brief Student Teacher on Professional Responsibilities

• Maintaining accurate student records on assessments, attendance, and behavior.
• Complying with state and federal programs such as Title I, Section 504, and IEP's. Regularly communicating with students' parents and guardians.