Know the school district, the physical plant, school rules, grading policies, etc. Ask for a handbook on one of your first visits, read it, ask clarifying questions.
Participate in all school events as would be expected of the cooperating teacher, i.e.special programs, faculty meetings, department meetings, in-service activities, parent-teacher meetings, etc. These are professional expectations, not options for you.
Represent him/herself and the college well, demonstrating professional behavior, dress, and demeanor at all times. Poor judgement or irresponsible behavior with regard to punctuality, attendance, school protocol, cooperation with school and cooperating teacher, relationships with students and colleagues, etc. will not be tolerated.
Attend school regularly, being absent only in the event of illness or serious conflict. Read and understand the attendance policy. It is required that any absence be reported to the TEP office, using the appropriate form. If an emergency absence is necessary the student teacher must notify both the cooperating teacher and the college supervisor in advance of the absence. Any unexcused absence or excessive, habitual tardiness may result in a removal from student teaching and a grade of "F." We ask that co-ops and college supervisors carefully monitor student teacher attendance. (Refer to attendance policy for details.)
Arrange for reliable transportation for travel throughout the student teaching experience. Car trouble is NOT a valid excuse for absence or tardiness.
Be diligent about paperwork, planning, and deadlines including, but not limited to instructional plans (due to cooperating teacher no less than 48 hours in advance of any teaching), submitting weekly assessment and next week's teaching schedule (due on Thursdays by 5:00), creating and maintaining a file of conference and/or evaluation reports from supervisor and cooperating teacher, and attending all seminars and on-campus sessions that are planned to assist you with your student teaching.
Meet all required program/certification mandates and deadlines for TB test, criminal history check (if needed), certification application process, NTE's, etc.
Refrain from being put in the role of substitute teacher since you are NOT in the employ of the school district and are NOT a legitimate substitute for the classroom teacher. You may teach in your cooperating teacher's absence, but only under the supervision of a district representative OR a paid substitute teacher.
Develop and maintain positive and open channels of communication especially with your cooperating teacher and college supervisor. Should you need assistance beyond these two people, remember that the Director of Teacher Education is available to help you, too.
Manage your credential files in a manner that will ease your job search. Remember that you will need to request letters of recommendation from your co-op and/or college supervisor if you wish to have those as part of your credential package
Follow the suggestions and guidance provided by your cooperating teacher, college supervisor and/or building principal. For example, if your supervior suggests that you video tape lessons for self-critique, do so. If your co-op suggests that you read about a particular classroom management style, do so.
