Cooperating and Mentor Teachers
Cooperating/Mentor Teachers are critical partners in teacher preparation during student teaching. These talented, experienced educators coach and mentor candidates during their time in the classroom, supporting their development of knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to become effective teachers.
Role & Responsibility
Listed below are some of the many ways Cooperating/Mentor Teachers support the development of Teacher Candidates:
- Modeling effective teaching practices based in theory and research, including differentiated instruction using defined learning outcomes aligned with teaching standards and using assessment data to inform planning, teaching and student learning;
- Assisting in the development of the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be an educator;
- Providing specific, timely and constructive feedback, targeting specific areas of strengths and identifying areas of growth;
- Engaging in regular reflection with the Teacher Candidate to make practice and decision making explicit;
- Demonstrating how to use varied resources and technology to enhance teaching and learning;
- Establishing productive learning communities and enacting student-centered classroom management strategies.
Qualifications
The role of a cooperating/mentor teacher is crucial to the success of our teacher candidates. All individuals in this role must meet the following ISBE-determined qualifications:
(1) A professional educator’s license (PEL) in the grade level being taught,
(2) three years or more of teaching experience in a certified public or nonpublic school and,
(3) a performance rating of proficient or above in one’s most recent evaluation.
Benefits
In addition to impacting and influencing the next generation of educators, Cooperating/Mentor Teachers that host an NLU Teacher Candidates can earn the following:
- Cooperating/Mentor Teachers can apply for CPDU (professional development) hours through the Illinois State Board of Education.
- Cooperating/Mentor Teachers are eligible to receive a voucher issued at the end of the placement that can be used towards two hours of graduate credit at NLU for either on-campus, online or a professional development course (excluding the Illinois Resource Center).
Hosting a Student Teacher
If you are interested in partnering with NLU and hosting a student teacher, please contact: Lisa Mozer, Executive Director, Office of Field Experience & PK12 Partnerships, lisa.mozer@nl.edu.
