Pre-service teachers learn much of their craft from two groups of people: their cooperating teacher and the students in their class. A good working relationship with your cooperating teacher helps you grow professionally. A good rapport with students helps you build a positive and effective learning environment. This guide gives practical tips for both.
On this page 5 sections
Building a strong relationship with your cooperating teacher
Your cooperating teacher is your mentor and role model. Their feedback, guidance, and support can strongly shape how your professional skills develop. These three habits help the relationship work well.
1. Communicate effectively
Good communication is the foundation of any working relationship.
- Talk with your cooperating teacher regularly to clarify what they expect from you.
- Ask for feedback, and ask questions when something is unclear.
- Listen actively, and show respect for their opinions and ideas.
2. Be proactive
Do not wait to be told what to do. Take the first step in building the relationship.
- Offer to help with tasks.
- Attend school events.
- Join extracurricular activities.
Looking for ways to take part shows your commitment and enthusiasm for teaching.
3. Show appreciation
Your cooperating teacher gives time and expertise to support your growth. Thanking them and recognizing their effort strengthens the relationship. Simple ways to do this include:
- Saying thank you.
- Writing a note of appreciation.
- Giving a small token of gratitude.
Building strong relationships with your students
Students are more likely to take part and learn when they feel respected and valued by their teacher. Positive relationships also help make the classroom a safe place to learn. Try these three approaches.
1. Learn their names
Calling students by name makes them feel seen and respected.
- Take time early on to learn every student’s name, and use names often.
- Use icebreaker activities and name tags to help you remember.
2. Show interest in their lives
Getting to know students beyond the lesson builds stronger bonds.
- Ask about their interests, hobbies, and goals.
- Attend school events and extracurricular activities to support what they care about.
3. Create a safe and supportive learning environment
Students engage more when they feel comfortable in class.
- Set clear expectations and boundaries.
- Use positive reinforcement.
- Show empathy and understanding.
- Give students chances to lead their own learning.
- Build a collaborative and inclusive classroom culture.
Quick summary
| With your cooperating teacher | With your students |
|---|---|
| Communicate effectively | Learn their names |
| Be proactive | Show interest in their lives |
| Show appreciation | Create a safe and supportive learning environment |
Why these relationships matter
Pre-service teachers who build positive relationships with both their cooperating teacher and their students are better placed to grow as professionals and to improve how they teach. Those relationships also shape the learning experience of the students in your class. Putting effort into them from the first day of your assignment is one of the most useful things you can do as a new teacher.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this guide for?
It is written for pre-service teachers who are working under a cooperating teacher. Its tips cover the relationship with the cooperating teacher and with the students they teach.
What is the role of a cooperating teacher?
A cooperating teacher serves as a mentor and role model for a pre-service teacher. Their feedback, guidance, and support can strongly shape the pre-service teacher’s professional skills.
How can I show appreciation to my cooperating teacher?
You can say thank you, write a note of appreciation, or give a small token of gratitude. Acknowledging their time and effort helps strengthen the relationship.
What is the quickest way to build rapport with a new class?
Start by learning and using your students’ names. Icebreaker activities and name tags can help you remember them faster.
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