3.1 University Supervisor

The university supervisor is responsible for close and frequent interaction with the cooperating teacher and the teacher candidate, acting as a liaison among Northwestern, the cooperating teacher, and the teacher candidate. This interaction includes:

• An orientation session with the cooperating teacher and teacher candidate before or at the beginning of the student teaching experience,
• Weekly supervision of the teacher candidate through face-to-face and/or virtual observation and conferences,
• Mid-way and final conferences with the cooperating teacher and teacher candidate to evaluate performance,
• Frequent face-to-face and/or virtual conferences with the cooperating teacher.

Supervision usually consists of planned visits that allow the university supervisor to observe the teacher candidate in action. Following an observation, a conference is held to provide the candidate with verbal and written feedback, direction, support, ideas, and suggestions for changes, all aimed at improving the quality of teaching.

The university supervisor is responsible for evaluating the teacher candidate midway and end of student teaching. The midway evaluation indicates progress and suggests areas for further development. The final online evaluation summarizes the teacher candidate's performance and is placed in the candidate's permanent record in the School of Education. 

The university supervisor is responsible for confirming the timely completion of the cooperating teacher's final online evaluation of the teacher candidate.  An optional but strongly encouraged letter of recommendation on school letterhead may also be submitted and signed by the cooperating teacher.

Communication of expectations, policies and procedures, assignments, appointments, and conferences are also the university supervisor's responsibility. Any problems that arise should be handled through the university supervisor. Special arrangements in student teaching must be approved by the university supervisor.

In the event that an academic or professional concern arises regarding the teacher candidate’s performance, the university supervisor should contact the program coordinator immediately.  If deemed necessary, the program coordinator will schedule an intervention meeting with the School of Education Admission and Retention Committee to address the issue and assist the candidate in setting appropriate goals for improvement.