The Cooperating Teacher/Mentor in the Teacher Training Program   

Dates/Times:SSII:  July 16-19, 2012 (M-Th); 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Location: Hofstra University Gallon Wing 242

Description:This course is designed to increase the understanding and enhance the effectiveness of those serving or desiring to serve as cooperating teachers for student teachers, mentors of novice teachers and supervisors and administrators with student teachers and novice teachers in their schools.  The role of the cooperating teacher/mentor and the relationship with the student teacher/novice teacher will be examined with respect to orientation to the school setting, classroom management, instructional planning, lesson implementation, and assessment.  Roles and responsibilities of the cooperating teacher will be addressed along with close analysis of the evaluation procedures for the student teacher.  Recent research in education and cognitive psychology will inform discussions to enrich the clinical field experience for both student teachers/novices and their cooperating teachers/mentors.  Participants will focus on how to create a clinically rich environment for student teachers/educators.  This includes the relationships between mentor and mentee, evaluation procedures, and observation/lesson plan design. 

Instructor: Patricia Geyer.  Adjunct Assistant Professor, Hofstra University.  Ms. Geyer supervises student teachers and teaches literacy methods and classroom perspectives and issues to pre- and in-service teachers.  She has been an elementary school teacher and presents literacy workshops at schools and conference on Long Island.  

Laura Maitland.  Adjunct Instructor, Hofstra University.  Ms. Maitland currently supervises student teachers and served as a science administrator in a Long Island school district for almost 20 years.  She consults for school districts, the SED, book companies, the College Board and has taught at the college/university level.