Student teaching is an essential element of every teacher preparation program and a milestone experience for both the mentor teacher and the pre-service teacher (or teacher intern).
For student teachers, it provides the vital opportunity to gain hands-on classroom experience and learn the realities of a career in education. For cooperating teachers, mentoring offers a chance to reflect on instructional practices, grow professionally, and collaborate with a fresh, enthusiastic educator.
Whether you are an experienced educator preparing to host your first intern or a college student stepping into a secondary classroom for the first time, navigating this relationship takes intention, communication, and clear boundaries.
Part 1: Tips for Cooperating Teachers (Mentors)
1. Remember, They Are Still Students!
Many pre-service teachers—especially undergraduates in secondary education programs—are close in age to high school students. Just as you do with your adolescents, you must scaffold and use a gradual release model.
Gradual Integration: Start interns with observation, then have them work with small groups or teach brief mini-lessons before taking on full-period instruction.
Daily Progression: Many mentors have interns watch morning classes and gradually assume control as the day goes on.
2. Communicate Consistently
Set aside at least 15 minutes during your planning period for daily debriefs.
- Put It in Writing: Follow up verbal conversations with an email recap. This clarifies expectations, serves as a written record, and gives both of you time to process feedback thoughtfully.
Pro-Tip: The Three-Column Feedback Approach
To deliver balanced, constructive criticism, divide a sheet of paper into three columns:
- I See: Document physical actions, student engagement, and the intern’s classroom proximity/movement.
- I Hear: Note direct quotes from both the intern and the students during discussions.
- Questions: Pose open-ended reflective questions to prompt self-assessment.
3. Establish Professional Standards Early
- Dress Code: Interns may be used to casual college wear. Discuss appropriate professional attire that fits your school’s culture.
- Device Management: Explicitly state expectations regarding cell phone usage. Interns should model appropriate behavior and keep phones put away during instructional time.
4. Collaborate and Co-Teach
Plan engaging lessons together! Capitalize on your intern’s fresh ideas—such as new tech tools, environmental science excerpts for historical texts (such as this lesson with a Native American Myth and excerpt from the book, No Impact Man), or creative themed unit wrap-ups—while guiding them with your classroom management expertise.
5. Celebrate Success and Say Goodbye
Mark the end of the internship with a small classroom celebration, a student-signed card, or a thoughtful token like a school t-shirt or reflective journal. Most importantly, offer to write a strong letter of recommendation. 
Part 2: Tips for the Student Teacher (Intern)
1. Show Humility and Appreciation
Acknowledge that your cooperating teacher has years of experience, proven routines, and district mandates to follow. Treat your placement like you are a gracious “house guest” invited into someone else’s professional home.
2. Listen, Reflect, and Ask Questions
Keep a daily journal or planner log to jot down questions as they arise. Emailing your mentor or reserving time to talk ensures you get thoughtful answers without interrupting instructional moments.
3. Maintain Strict Professional Boundaries
- Appearance and Conduct: Dress professionally and maintain clear boundaries with students.
- Social Media & Extracurriculars: Never connect with current students on social media or attend out-of-school social events with them. Maintain a conservative approach to protect your professional reputation and future career.
4. Observe Outside Your Content Area
Ask administration or your mentor for permission to observe other teachers across different grade levels and subject areas. This exposes you to diverse classroom management styles and teaching personas
5. Get Involved and Volunteer
Impress potential future employers by volunteering at after-school events, sports games, or club functions. It builds rapport with students, parents, and staff, and expands your professional network.
Student teaching is truly a partnership that shapes the future of our profession. When cooperating teachers provide structured guidance and interns bring fresh energy and humility, both educators grow. By prioritizing clear communication, professional boundaries, and genuine collaboration, you can turn a potentially stressful transition into a rewarding experience that builds confident, capable teachers for years to come.
Let’s Chat!
What has your experience been with student teaching or mentoring? What strategies have helped you build a strong working relationship with an intern? Drop a comment below and share your best tips or questions—I’d love to hear from you!
