6.0 Other Key Persons
Athough not as obvious as the roles of some other personnel, the activities of the principal, counselor, supervisor, and others in the school system can be vital to the success of the student teaching experience.
6.1 The Principal
The principal is responsible for the entire school. Therefore, the cooperating teacher has an obligation to keep the principal informed of other-than-routine happenings and progress of the student teacher. The principal will recommend competent cooperating teachers to supervise student teachers. She or he should work closely with the university supervisor to ensure a meaningful student teaching experience that is beneficial to pupils.
The principal might assist the cooperating teacher in several ways, such as protecting the teacher against overloaded classes, making administrative provisions for adequate conferences between the cooperating teacher and the student teacher, arranging for observations outside the cooperating teacher's classroom or outside the school, and assisting the cooperating teacher in providing supplies and equipment for the student teacher.
The principal might also assist the student teacher by helping to protect the student teacher from exploitation, helping introduce the student teacher to the school and to the community, observing the student teacher and assisting in the evaluation process, and providing the opportunity for the student teacher to participate in staff meetings, extracurricular activities, and school planning. The principal has the responsibility for assuring that the presence of the student teacher is not detrimental to the students. Toward this important end, she or he should provide a climate which is conducive to the open discussion of problems pertaining to the student teaching experience.
6.2 The Counselor
The school counselor can be of great benefit to student teachers. Among other possible activities, the counselor might help with the orientation to the students, school staff, and community; explain to the student teacher the guidance and counseling services available; assist with testing and interpreting student data; and help the student teacher with special student needs and problems. If the counselor is a member of the school-based committee for special students, she or he may want to explain the policies and procedures for accommodating the school's exceptional students.
6.3 The Supervisor and/or Consultant
Supervisors and consultants of various types (including media center directors) are identified with the instructional program of a school system. This puts them in a good position to help cooperating teachers by participating in the orientation of student teachers; serving as resource personnel; assisting cooperating teachers with special problems in instruction; participating in conferences with student teachers, cooperating teachers, and principals; and involving student teachers in staff development activities and other system-wide efforts.
http://ced.ncsu.edu/teachered/studteachhandbook/keypersons.htm
last updated
8/11/09
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