cooperating teachers

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cooperating teachers
By first grade teacher

My experiences are still really fresh since I have only been out a year. My first cooperating teacher used little notes when observing my lessons. She was very creative with hers, but any kind would be helpful. She wouls
list what the lesson was, what she liked about it, what needed work, and a couple of reflective type questions. We had a mini-conference after every lesson I taught and I got to keep the notes to go over on my own time. I really appreciated that. It was a middle school setting, so there were over 125 students that I worked with daily. The first week she made me a video of the students

saying their names so I could learn them. That helped, but you may want to check your school's policy on video tapes. I was involved in everything she was, but that was a requirement for me. Any school related anything she had to go to, I had to go too. But it helped a lot, and I felt more comfortable doing those things my first year, this past year. She also had a desk for me with the needed supplies, which I loved more than anything. It made me really feel welcome and valued. She even included me in re-arraning the room and other type stuff.

My second placement was in first grade in another school. It was very different, but still wonderful. This teacher didn't have room for a desk for me, but she shared her own desk with me. I started doing things on my own much faster this time, with her support of course. She also let me in on the gossip people at school to stay away from and gave me more information on school politics and such. That REALLY helped this past year. Of course it doesn't hurt that this copperating teacher is now my team teacher. She treated me basically as a new teacher and gave equal consideration to my ideas. Actually my classroom is pretty much just like hers with a few modifications.

Bascially, just make them feel welcome. Include them in everything. Ask tons of questions. Make suggestions. Ask about beginning and end of the year. I know I was lost with that too. Good luck and have fun!