Cooperating teachers play a vital role in the development of future teachers. They are an integral part of the Student Teaching Triad (along with the student teacher and university supervisor). The Handbook for Student Teaching (updated summer 2024) provides guidelines for this collaboration.
The Office of Field Experiences extends our gratitude for the contribution of cooperating teachers and will express it with our support in every possible way.
Hosting a UWSP Teacher Candidate
According to state statute, Cooperating Teachers must:
- Hold a valid Wisconsin license
- Have volunteered for the assignment of CT
- Have at least 3 years of teaching experience, including one year of experience at the current place of employment, and
- Have completed training* in the supervision of clinical students.
The Office of Field Experiences will work with school districts and administrators to arrange student teaching placements with qualified Cooperating Teachers. If your school confirms you’ll be hosting a student teacher in an upcoming semester, *OFE will contact you to provide up-to-date training prior to the start of the placement. Synchronous and asynchronous options are available.
CTs trained through UWSP are required to provide an affidavit of training completion; these affidavits are organized and updated by OFE.
During the placement semester, CTs are granted access to a Canvas course with training materials, the evaluation template, and other resources helpful in supporting and mentoring future teachers. Ongoing support and communication are provided to CTs via Canvas and email throughout the semester.
Additional Training Options
Anyone interested in receiving credit for training or completing Cooperating Teacher training before a student teacher is confirmed to be in their classroom can take advantage of either of the training options below:
- EDUC 758 (Offered Fall and Spring, 1 credit)
- Registration Information
- Please note that there are changes to the way that the course is funded, however, the course is only one option and not the requirement.
- The Education 758 course fees will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the course with a grade of Pass.
- UW-Oshkosh Online Training – no upfront costs, but credit is not available.