Cooperating Teacher Testimonials

A 2007 survey of teachers in Kent County, MI conducted by the GVSU College of Education found that local teachers say that they experience many of these same benefits when they supervise students from GVSU. The following are quotes from survey respondents:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Professional Growth

“Each time I have had a student teacher it has forced me to reevaluate what I do and why I do it, so it is a great time of growth for me.”

“An observing student teacher sharpens our own teaching.”

“I like that having a student teacher reminds me of practices that I haven't done for awhile or that I may have abandoned. I also enjoy mentoring others, and this gives me an opportunity to do so.”

“Supervising students gives an opportunity to have professional conversations regarding educational trends, research based strategies, experiences, and knowledge of classroom teaching.”

“[I have] more time to spend on lesson plans and be creative.”

“It's an excellent way to reflect and refine your own teaching skills and strategies.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Benefits for Students

“With large class sizes and little outside help, having a student teacher helps to provide more individualized support to all students.”

“One more positive RELATIONSHIP for kids!”

“Small group teaching is so valuable. Student teachers allow for one extra trained teacher to meet with small groups.”

“Student teachers have noticed things in my students that I have not, and managed to gain some family information during conversations I did not have time for.”

“Students can ask a person closer to their age about university life.”

“I have a chance to work one-on-one with students who have been ‘slipping through the cracks.’”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contributions of Student Teachers

“I’ve enjoyed all of my student teachers both personally and professionally. I have learned many new things from them.”

“Student teachers bring new ideas and new perspectives to classrooms.”

“They are usually willing to go the extra mile (researching lessons, manipulating the internet, observing other classes, etc.) to get new and exciting ways to implement lessons.”

“We have enjoyed having student teachers in our building. They are generally enthusiastic and willing to help students in any way possible.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teamwork

“Supervising student teachers provides a fresh perspective on many things, and allows the teacher to get feedback from an extra set of eyes in the room, working as a team. Collaboration is the key to great teaching, and supervising student teachers is a great opportunity to share ideas.”

“When I had a student teacher in my class I felt like we were a team. We could create and plan lessons together. I think the students benefited from having a student teacher in our room. It was a wonderful experience for all of us!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giving Back

“By welcoming a student teacher into the classroom, a teacher is strengthening the profession, as a whole, by passing his or her knowledge and expertise on to someone who will soon be a peer.”

“I believe that teaching is the noblest of professions, and it is both an honor and a huge responsibility to help mold ‘the next generation’.”

“I remember being in their shoes and I want to make it a positive experience for them.”

“I would take one every year if I could. I feel it keeps me on my toes as a teacher and [it’s] a wonderful collaborating experience.”

“The JOY of sharing the greatest profession – and vocation – in the world!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you interested in working with a future teacher?

Contact the GVSU College of Education at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616) 331-6650 and let us know you would like to register as a Cooperating Teacher.

<< Back