Tips for Mentor/Host/Cooperating Teachers

Be aware of the time it takes to facilitate a student teacher. Can you realistically make the commitment?
Let the student teacher know about your expectations from the very beginning of the experience.
Schedule and follow through with regular feedback sessions.
Be open to ‘letting go’ of some control of the class in order to give the student teacher as close to an authentic experience as possible.
Be open to looking at one’s own teaching critically and reflectively in order to respond to questions and queries the student teacher may have.
Give multiple opportunities for observation, both in your own classroom and in those of other teachers.
Use questioning as a form of feedback; this will help student teachers to discover answers on their own
Give feedback throughout the whole field experience; don’t stop mentoring just because a student teacher is doing well.

For tips for Student Teachers click here.