Governors State University / Illinois Federation of Teachers Cooperating Teacher Initiative

A K to 16 partnership has been established to improve the selection process and training of cooperating classroom teachers. Governors State University, Local 604, Local 943, Local 4100 and participating school districts have engaged in a pilot program that will develop opportunities for both faculties to collaborate on improving the clinical experience program, involve the cooperating classroom teacher in the development of the clinical programs, create a cadre of skilled cooperating teachers who will become leaders in improving teacher quality, and add incentives for both faculties to participate in the partnership.

How does the initiative work?

Once districts are identified, a selection process begins to find high qualified cooperating teachers. The union, the school administration and GSU staff are all involved in the process. The selected cooperating teachers will be required to take two graduate level classes that will instruct them on how to be a quality cooperating teacher. Upon completion of the program, the teachers will receive a certificate and faculty associate adjunct status from GSU.

If the program proves successful, it will be expanded to other Local 4100 campuses and legislation will be sought to create a state certification for cooperating teachers.

What credits can participants obtain?

The two courses that the cooperating teacher takes at GSU will count toward re-certification and the experience of supervising a student teacher will earn the teacher 30 CPDUs.

How do I learn more?

IFT Educational Issues Director Ava Harston at (630) 468-4080, ext. 4058.