The State University of New York at Potsdam and the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification appreciates all of our cooperating teachers that agree to sponsor a student teacher each semester. The knowledge you have accumulated throughout your years in education and dedication to teaching, combined with your willingness to share these diverse experiences, is invaluable and appreciated by our students. Because of your commitment to continuing to partnership with us, teacher preparation is stronger at SUNY Potsdam.
| Time Frame | The Sponsor Teacher is Expected To: |
|---|---|
| General Information | Possess a sincere commitment to students; have a skillful approach to human relations; be certified and tenured |
| Before the Student Teaching Placement Begins | Review the teacher candidate’s resume; read the Role of the Sponsor Teacher; review roles of the teacher candidate and supervisor; call the Director of Field Experiences if the teacher candidate does not call and schedule a meeting; attend the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification’s Professional Development session for Sponsor Teachers; meet with the teacher candidate before the placement begins and provide the teacher candidate with answers for the Checklist; inform the students that they will have a teacher candidate joining the class as a second or team teacher; provide the teacher candidate with a work station; inform the teacher candidate what topics and/or themes will need to be covered during his or her placement; discuss available educational resources, supplies, equipment, and procedures for reserving rooms and equipment, etc. |
| During the Student Teaching Placement | Welcome and integrate the teacher candidate, including introductions to district personnel; review and provide feedback for every lesson plan before the teacher candidate presents the lesson; delegate increasing responsibilities to the teacher candidate; develop a long-range plan for the teacher candidate to assume increased responsibility in preparation for solo teaching in weeks 6 and 7; guide the teacher candidate as he/she prepares the Student Teaching Assessment; accept a partnership with the supervisor; identify with the fears and joys of a beginner in the profession and give encouragement when morale is waning; assess the teacher candidate’s strengths and weaknesses and offer suggestions; provide written and verbal feedback after observations; carefully evaluate progress, and give daily guidance; conference with the supervisor as needed; include the teacher candidate in parent conferences whenever possible; encourage the teacher candidate to develop his or her own potential; immediately consult with the supervisor when there are concerns, and understand that the supervisor may contact the Director of Student Teaching to request a Student Teaching Review Committee meeting when issues are not resolved |
This form must be faxed to the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification at (315) 267-3327 no later than the last day of the placement during which the teacher has sponsored to receive the stipend/waiver. If the teacher sponsors a teacher candidate for two placement periods, two stipend/waiver forms must be submitted.
The SUNY ID offers discounts at the Community Performance Series, College Store and campus dining facilities (subject to change). If a sponsor teacher would like to receive a SUNY ID card, parking permit, and use of some campus facilities, complete the application as soon as confirmation of teacher candidate is received. This will allow time for processing and access to the benefits during the entire time the teacher is sponsoring.