Cooperating Teachers

Become a Cooperating Teacher

Make a lasting impact on the future of education. As a cooperating teacher, you’ll mentor a Franklin student teacher, sharing your experience and helping them build the skills they need to succeed in today’s classrooms.

The H.K. & Eva James College of Education

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What Is a Cooperating Teacher

A cooperating teacher is an experienced educator who mentors a teacher candidate in either Phase I Clinical Field Experience or Phase II Clinical Student Teaching Experience. In this role, you provide guidance, model effective teaching practices, and support the transition from student to professional educator. 

Why This Role Matters

  • Helps prepare the next generation of teachers
  • Supports student learning through additional classroom support
  • Strengthens your school or district’s long-term educator pipeline

Your Role & What to Expect

As a cooperating teacher, you will be able to mentor a Franklin teacher candidate in either Phase I Clinical Field Experience or Phase II Clinical Student Teaching Experience. Through mentoring, you will be able to share your experience and help them build the skills they need to succeed in today’s classrooms.

Your RoleHow Franklin Supports You
Mentor and support a teacher candidate in your classroomClear guidance on expectations and responsibilities
Provide feedback and complete evaluations at key pointsStructured evaluation tools and templates
Communicate with Franklin staff as neededOngoing communication and coordination
Approve required timesheets in the designated platformAccess to training and orientation materials
Complete required forms to verify eligibilitySupport navigating systems and requirements
Report any concerns related to candidate performanceAssistance if any issues arise

How Does It Work?

Getting started as a cooperating teacher is a guided process. While specific requirements vary by state, most follow these general steps:

  1. Express Interest or Be Recommended
    Let your school or district know you’re interested, or be identified as a potential cooperating teacher.
  2. Connect with Franklin
    Franklin’s Clinical Field Office will reach out to confirm eligibility and guide you through any state-specific requirements.
  3. Get Matched with a Candidate
    Qualified cooperating teachers are matched with a teacher candidate based on licensure area and placement needs.
  4. Begin the Placement
    Once matched, you’ll begin working with your teacher candidate with support from the clinical field office.
  5. Mentor and Support
    Provide guidance, feedback, and evaluation throughout the placement, with ongoing support from Franklin as needed.

Ready to mentor the next generation of teachers? 

Connect with Franklin University to learn more about becoming a cooperating teacher and how you can get started.

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State Requirements & Training

Most cooperating teachers are expected to:

  • Hold a valid teaching license in the appropriate content area
  • Teach within the grade level or subject area aligned to the candidate
  • Meet the Science of Reading requirements for your state
  • Have a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
  • Be recommended or approved by their school or district organization
  • Complete any additional state requirements (e.g. Ohio’s Science of Reading Training) to be eligible to host

Additional requirements may apply depending on your state.

Cooperating Teachers Training Material

Select your state below to view eligibility requirements and any required training for cooperating teachers.

Support & Resources

You’ll have support every step of the way. Franklin provides tools and guidance to make your experience as a cooperating teacher successful and rewarding.

Documents

Systems and Tools

FAQs

Hear from Our Partners

At Franklin, partnerships with school districts are built on collaboration and shared goals. By connecting aspiring educators with experienced teachers and providing accessible pathways for professional growth, we help districts develop talent, support their workforce, and prepare educators to make an immediate impact in the classroom.

Stacie Dieffenderfer
Teacher on Special Assignment, Columbus City Schools

“We appreciate our partnership with Franklin University and the opportunity to host future educators for their field experiences in Columbus City Schools. Thank you to the field experience staff who work to support the placement process!”

Cyndi Toledo
Director of Curriculum and Instruction

“Franklin University teacher candidates consistently demonstrate strong preparation, professionalism and a genuine commitment to student learning. This partnership continues to positively impact our classrooms while helping develop the next generation of exceptional educators.” 

Mindy Robertson
Assistant Superintendent, Deer Park Community City School District

“Franklin University makes it easy to invest in our team. We’ve been able to provide our instructional aides with a direct route to professional licensure through a partnership that is both simple to manage and deeply impactful for our staff’s career growth. Our staff gains valuable professional development through Franklin, while we build a stronger pipeline of licensed teachers for our classrooms.”