Perspectives of Cooperating Teachers Regarding the Student Teaching Experience

Cooperating teachers play a critical role in preparing teachers during the student teaching experience. Yet, they are often an undervalued contributor to the conversation of teacher education. This exploratory study highlights the voices of cooperating teachers regarding their perspectives on the student teaching experience. Through a Qualtrics survey, thirty-three current K-8 teachers in the Midwest explained their responsibilities, successes, challenges, and suggestions regarding the student teaching experience. The survey results indicated that cooperating teachers see themselves as mentors for student teachers and are vested in the student teacher’s success. They expressed the importance of patience and flexibility when guiding a student teacher. Finally, they felt there is value in their expertise. These survey results also present a need for teacher education programs to strengthen classroom management, provide aspiring teachers with high-quality field experience, and continue involving cooperating teachers in the conversation of teacher education