Cooperating Teacher Manual

Cooperating Teacher Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Terms
3. Cooperating Teacher Qualifications (TAC §228.35(h)(1)(B))
4. Roles and Responsibilities (TAC §228.2 & §228.35(h)(1)(B–C))
   • Orientation and Onboarding
   • Instructional Planning and Support
   • Observation and Feedback
   • Professional Communication
   • Time Commitment and Weekly Interaction (TAC §228.35(h)(1)(C))
5. Clinical Teaching Progression: 15-Week Model (TAC §228.35(e)(2)(B)(ix))
6. Assessment and Documentation (TAC §228.35(g))
   • Observation Requirements
   • Observation Timeline
   • Observation Instructions
   • Required Forms
7. Field Supervisor Collaboration (TAC §228.35(g)(3))
8. Mutual Expectations
   • Clinical Teachers Should Expect from Cooperating Teachers
   • Cooperating Teachers Should Expect from Clinical Teachers
   • Field Supervisors Should Expect from Cooperating Teachers
   • Cooperating Teachers Should Expect from Field Supervisors
9. Ethical and Professional Standards (TAC §247 – Educators’ Code of Ethics)
10. Stipend Information
    • Required Documentation
    • Submission Deadlines
    • Stipend Notes
11. Agreement Statement
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Minimum Experience Requirement
2. Gradual Release Model
3. Reporting Concerns
4. Observation Timeline
5. Receiving the Stipend
6. Cooperating Teacher Absence and Supervision Requirements
7. Clinical Teacher as Substitute – TEA Policy

The Cooperating Teacher

Cooperating Teachers play a vital role in preparing future Texas educators. This manual outline essential responsibilities, expectations, and procedures in alignment with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §228 and §247, governed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It is designed to support the mentorship of Clinical Teachers during their 15-week placement in a Texas public school.

Key Terms

• Clinical Teacher: A teacher candidate completing a 15-week, full-time student teaching experience.
• Cooperating Teacher (CT): A certified, experienced teacher who supervises and mentors a Clinical Teacher.
• Field Supervisor: A university-assigned educator responsible for observing, evaluating, and supporting Clinical Teachers and Cooperating Teachers.
• EPP: Educator Preparation Program approved by the Texas Education Agency.
• Observation: A formal evaluation of a Clinical Teacher’s instruction using a T-TESS-aligned instrument.
• TExES: Texas Examinations of Educator Standards, required for certification.
• TAC: Texas Administrative Code, the official compilation of state regulations.
• TEA: Texas Education Agency, the state authority overseeing public education and educator certification.

Cooperating Teacher Qualifications

(TAC §228.35(h)(1)(B))

• Hold a valid Texas teaching certificate in the appropriate subject and grade level.
• Possess a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience.
• Be recommended by the campus administrator.
• Complete district or campus Cooperating Teacher training within three weeks of assignment.

Roles and Responsibilities

(Aligned with TAC §228.2 and §228.35(h)(1)(B–C))

Cooperating Teachers are expected to:

Orientation and Onboarding

• Introduce the Clinical Teacher to the campus, classroom procedures, and personnel.
• Provide access to curriculum resources, schedules, and technology.
• Facilitate understanding of campus policies and district expectations.

Instructional Planning and Support

• Collaborate on lesson planning, instructional delivery, and assessment.
• Gradually release teaching responsibilities in alignment with Clinical Teacher readiness.
• Model effective teaching aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Observation and Feedback

• Conduct four formal observations using the T-TESS-aligned form.
• Provide timely and specific pre- and post-observation feedback.
• Promote reflection and professional growth through coaching.

Professional Communication

• Maintain ongoing communication with the Clinical Teacher and Field Supervisor.
• Participate in weekly check-ins and instructional debriefs.
• Report concerns promptly using the official Cooperating Teacher Concern Form.

Time Commitment and Weekly Interaction (TAC §228.35(h)(1)(C))

• Engage with the Clinical Teacher for at least five hours per week, including:
  • Co-planning lessons
  • Reviewing instruction
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Conducting observations and debriefs

Clinical Teaching Progression: 15-Week Model

(TAC §228.35(e)(2)(B)(ix))

Weeks	Focus	Activities
1–3	Orientation & Observation	Observe routines; assist with small groups and warm-ups; begin logs
4–6	Assisted Teaching	Co-teach; assume responsibility for one subject; 1st observation
7–9	Increasing Independence	Teach multiple subjects; analyze student data; 2nd observation
10–12	Full Teaching	Lead full instructional days; manage class independently; 3rd observation
13–15	Independent Teaching & Transition	Teach independently; complete portfolio; 4th observation

Assessment and Documentation

(TAC §228.35(g))

Cooperating Teachers are responsible for assessing the Clinical Teacher’s performance using university-approved instruments and submitting all required documentation to the Field Supervisor and Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Office.

Observation Requirements
Cooperating Teachers must complete four formal observations per semester using the HT Cooperating Teacher Observation Form. Clinical Teachers must earn Proficient ratings in all domains to successfully complete Clinical Teaching.

Observation Timeline

• 1st Observation: Weeks 4–5
• 2nd Observation: Weeks 6–7
• 3rd Observation: Weeks 8–10
• 4th Observation: Weeks 11–12

Observation Instructions

• Observe and rate each domain on the official observation form based on demonstrated performance during the 45-minute observation period.
• Save the completed observation form as a PDF file.
• Email the PDF to the Clinical Teacher and request a signature.
• Conduct a post-observation conference to provide constructive feedback.
• Submit a signed copy of the form to both the Field Supervisor and the EPP Office at teachprepprogram@htu.edu.

Required Forms

• Pre- Observation Form
• Clinical Teacher Observation/Assessment Form 
• Post Observation Form 

All required documents must be completed and submitted according to deadlines for successful completion of Clinical Teaching and stipend eligibility.

Field Supervisor Collaboration

(TAC §228.35(g)(3))

The Field Supervisor is a critical partner in the Clinical Teacher’s success and provides:

• A minimum of four formal observations per semester.
• Written and verbal feedback.
• Support for problem-solving and growth planning.
• Coordination of all required documentation.
• Communication between the school, Cooperating Teacher, and university.

Mutual Expectations

Clinical Teachers Should Expect from Cooperating Teachers

• Support and professional guidance.
• Gradual release of instructional responsibilities.
• Timely and constructive feedback.
• Ethical and professional role modeling.

Cooperating Teachers Should Expect from Clinical Teachers

• Professionalism, punctuality, and preparedness.
• Active engagement in lesson planning and instruction.
• Receptiveness to feedback and reflective practice.
• Timely submission of required logs and forms.

Field Supervisors Should Expect from Cooperating Teachers

• Supervision and structured mentorship.
• Weekly engagement and coaching.
• Timely submission of observation and evaluation forms.
• Professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Prompt communication of concerns.

Cooperating Teachers Should Expect from Field Supervisors

• Conduct an initial orientation meeting to review the handbook, website, expectations and documentation.
• Provide support, resources, and consistent communication throughout the semester.
• Respond promptly to questions and concerns related to the Clinical Teacher.
• Offer guidance in developing improvement plans if needed.
• Collaborate in evaluating and supporting the Clinical Teacher’s professional growth.
• Ensure TEA and EPP documentation requirements are clearly explained and accessible.

Ethical and Professional Standards

(TAC §247 – Educators’ Code of Ethics)

All educators are expected to maintain integrity, respect, and equity in professional interactions. Cooperating Teachers must model ethical conduct in alignment with TAC §247, demonstrating commitment to student learning, confidentiality, and professionalism in all interactions.

Stipend Information

Cooperating Teachers receive a $200 stipend per semester. To be eligible, the following documents must be submitted by the designated deadlines:

Required Documentation

• Cooperating Teacher Agreement
• W9 Form
• Educator Code of Ethics
• Classroom Observation Form 
• Candidate Teacher Recommendation Form 

Submission Deadlines

• Fall Semester: December 15
• Spring Semester: May 15

Stipend Notes

• Payments are processed within 4–6 weeks.
• Cooperating Teachers are classified as Independent Contractors.
• Late submissions may result in forfeiture of payment.
• Send W-9s to: caceprograms@htu.edu

Agreement Statement

The Cooperating Teacher agrees to support and mentor an assigned Clinical Teacher in accordance with Huston-Tillotson University and TEA requirements. Responsibilities include:

• Providing mentorship and a professional learning environment.
• Conducting four formal observations and completing evaluations.
• Submitting all required documentation.
• Modeling ethical, inclusive, and effective teaching.
• Reporting concerns promptly to the Field Supervisor.

All required documentation and a completed W-9 must be submitted by the specified deadlines to receive the stipend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum experience required?
   A minimum of three years of teaching experience (TAC §228.35(h)(1)(B)).
2. Do Clinical Teachers take over the class immediately?
   No. Clinical Teachers follow a 15-week gradual release model.
3. What should be done if concerns arise about a Clinical Teacher?
   Contact the Field Supervisor and complete the Cooperating Teacher Concern Form:
   Concern Form
4. When are observation forms due?
   Observations should be completed during the following weeks:

1. • Week 4–5
   • Week 6–7
   • Week 8–10
   • Week 11–12

1. How is the stipend received?
   Submit all required forms and documents to the EPP Office by the stated deadlines:

1. • Fall Semester: December 15

• Spring Semester: May 15

1. • Send W-9s to: caceprograms@htu.edu

6. What happens if the Cooperating Teacher is absent and a substitute is assigned?

In accordance with TAC §228.35(e)(2)(B)(iv), Clinical Teachers may continue their placement only when a certified teacher is present in the classroom. If a certified substitute teacher is assigned and approved by the campus, the Clinical Teacher may remain in the classroom and proceed with planned responsibilities.

• The Cooperating Teacher should notify the Clinical Teacher of the planned absence in advance by phone and follow up with an email that includes the Field Supervisor.
• Best practice is for a certified teacher to serve as the substitute during the Cooperating Teacher’s absence. However, if the assigned substitute is not certified, the Clinical Teacher may not remain in the classroom unsupervised and must be reassigned by the campus principal or the principal’s designee.
• If reassignment is not possible, the Clinical Teacher must contact the campus principal or designee directly to confirm whether continued participation is allowed or if an alternate placement is required. If no alternate placement is available, the principal or designee may instruct the Clinical Teacher to leave campus. Any missed days due to this circumstance must be made up.
• In all cases, the Field Supervisor must be notified of any absence, change in classroom supervision, or reassignment. Alternate arrangements must be made as necessary to ensure continued compliance with TEA and EPP guidelines.

7. Can a Clinical Teacher serve as a substitute during clinical teaching?

• According to TAC §228.35(e)(2)(B)(ix)(III), Clinical Teachers may only serve as a substitute after completing their 15-week clinical teaching assignment in full, and only if they have been hired by the district as a substitute teacher. Clinical Teachers are not permitted to serve as substitutes during the clinical teaching assignment, even on a short-term basis.
• Serving as a substitute teacher during clinical teaching violates TEA regulations and may jeopardize program compliance and certification eligibility. If a Cooperating Teacher is absent, the Clinical Teacher may only continue in the classroom if a certified substitute is present. Otherwise, the Clinical Teacher must be reassigned or sent home, and any missed time must be made up.

For clarification or questions regarding substitute teaching eligibility, contact the Field Supervisor or the Department EPP Office directly.