I have never gotten a really good feel for my cooperating teacher's personality. I never know what kind of mood she'll be in. Some mornings she'll be very upbeat, say good morning and talk to me throughout the day. Other days she barely says a word to me and the times she does she's full of critisims. This Friday was the worst. She seemed to act like I was bothering her by just being in the classroom. Ever since starting student teaching whenever we have a free planning period or lunch, she's gone the entire time, as if she is trying to avoid me. She has given me compliments but also told me I have no classroom management skills whatsover. She changes her opinion of me constantly. The times I have seen her especially nice to me is whenever my university supervisor is here. Its at the end of the semester and I am now worried that she won't give a good recommendation. I need to apply for jobs and I am scared to even ask her for one.

[lucky]

why she frequently snubs you? I think you need to have a serious talk with her. You may have to ask for an alternative placement. I know this would be difficult and it might put you behind somewhat, but sometimes personalities just clash. She could have something going on in her private life that you know nothing about too. I know I once worked for a teacher years ago before I became a teacher that acted the way you describe. Come to find out she was going through a horrible divorce and her husband had been locked up in prison. Let's just say he had a "hobby" that she knew nothing about until his arrest.

[gonefree]

with your supervisor from the college that you are at too. Eplain what's going on to her give specific incidents. Ask her what to do.

If you feel that you can speak with her, but choose an upbeat day.

[heart4kids]

You are describing three of my colleagues perfectly. Some days, they are friendly, smiling and normal. Other days, they are tired, sulky, won't make eye contact, ignore any pleasantries - just plain juvenile and weird. Staff members just know that is the way they are. I keep being pleasant but others have given up.

That doesn't mean that you are doing a poor job or are bound to get a bad evaluation from them. It just means they are having some sort of strange problem with their mental health or dealing with some crisis that you will never know about. Or it could be arrested development, where they think just because they personally are irritable, folks around them should have to pay!

Every time I see they have a college student to supervise, I always feel sorry for the student teacher. It would be unprofessional of me to warn them, I know. So they have to suffer the uncertainties alone. That said, I always tried to avoid eating lunch and spending all my planning times with my student teacher. Too much togetherness for me. But I always warned them ahead and feel one of my gifts to them was to be myself (chipper every day.

[bparsons]

about 15 yrs ago, I also had a bad student teaching experience. I spoke to my supervisor and she didn't see any problem with what I was doing and it worked out fine.

Just continue to do your best and wear a smile for the kids. Why not ask her if you can observe some other teachers in the building? If she wants to get rid of you that day, its a win/win.

After 11 years of teaching, I had my own student teacher last year. She was wonderful and we both worked through our lunch and planning times TOGETHER. I was grateful to have her and she worked very independently and managed on her own with really very little help from me.

My kids were well behaved for the most part and knew the routine so management was not much of an issue. I rarely left her alone w/ the kids except if she took them to a special or whatever... they knew I would "take care of it" if any of them were rude or out of line with her. That never happened! They LOVED her! I think they considered her to be a nice break from me... which is understandable.

[kas327]

I went through a similar experience when I student taught. I just waited it out. Funny thing, and maybe this is why she didn't like me, the students preferred me over her.

[Carolyn]

I'd definitely speak with your college supervisor. And I'd do it as soon as possible! A cooperating teacher should want very much to teach a beginner how to teach. If not, she should not be a cooperating teacher. Your college supervisor might reconsider having her as a cooperating teacher if she doesn't want to work with a new teacher. I think you also need a formal sit-down with this teacher to find out what she feels you can do to improve and recommend how you will do it instead of just criticizing or complimenting.

[kas327]

One more thing that I suggest, document everything. I am guessing that she will be doing an evaluation, or two, on you. I would hate for her to be having an "off" day and evaluate you. Documenting conversations, and dialogue you two have will help cover you.