To Our Cooperating Teachers

Cooperating teachers play a critical role as student teachers’ models and mentors. They have great influence over our over-all learning experience and little classroom battles. In my case, my cooperating teacher was very kind and thoughtful. She always monitored me and the way I taught by giving comments and suggestions to improve my teaching skills and how to handle the class.

Some say that student teachers tend to adopt the practices of their cooperating teachers, sometimes without question, assuming that we, student teachers have no choice. But this was the reverse of my case, which I am very fortunate for. My co-teacher let me teach the way I was comfortable with. She just assisted and guided me on the way. At the end, I was able to deliver my lessons, better than I expected. I also had a chance to easily get along with her because she has a very welcoming and humorous personality. I wasn’t intimidated to approach her at all. I was able to ask her things I wanted to clear and know about teaching. She gave me feedbacks in a very pleasant manner and with a positive vibe which encouraged me to do better.

I know, sometimes, my co-teacher got stressed about some things I do but I was lucky she didn’t give up on me. Aside from enjoying the company of my students, I also enjoyed the company with my co-teacher as well.

For my other cooperating teachers, I am also grateful of meeting them because of the way they welcome us, student teachers. None of them was humiliating, toxic or was too strict which I thought how cooperating teachers would be. 

They gave us food when there were events, made us laugh with them, talked to them about silly things, supported as on the things we are proud of and provided us wisdom that encouraged us to love what we do and to do what we love.

With that, they will never be forgotten.

Photo credit: Dhave Abugan