UCSC MA/C Program Cooperating Teachers

Teacher Candidates are placed with Cooperating Teachers in public elementary, middle and high school classrooms throughout Santa Cruz County and nearby counties. Teacher Supervisors work with school principals to identify prospective Cooperating Teachers and to make thoughtful student teaching assignments. Specific grade-level and subject area placements are informed by candidates’ academic preparation, interests and goals as well as by state requirements. Because the student teaching experience is an important part of our students’ professional preparation, every effort is made to place Teacher Candidates with exemplary Cooperating Teachers who meet the following criteria: 

• Recommendation of the school principal
• Good relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Use of a diverse, balanced, standards-based instructional program
• Ability to model effective teaching practices and willing to accommodate program requirements
• Hold the same credential the candidate is seeking
• Have at least three years of successful public-school teaching experience'

Placement schools are  selected that demonstrate commitment to collaborative ,evidence-based practices and continuous program improvement, have partnerships with appropriate other educational, social, and community entities that support teaching and learning, place students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), provide robust programs and support for English learners, reflect to the extent possible socioeconomic and cultural diversity, permit video capture for candidate reflection and TPA completion, and have a fully qualified site administrator.

Cooperating Teacher Handbook 2024-2025