Resources for District Cooperating Teachers 

From all of us in the Teacher Education Program at UCR’s School of Education, thank you for helping prepare our students to become critical-thinkers and well-rounded educators. As a District Cooperating Teacher (DCT), you will play a big role in this process. And we are so glad that you decided to be part of it!

As members of the TEP community, you are valued and are an important part of our program. We recognize the contributions you will bring and how this will set in motion a series of events that will lead to changing future generations. Thank you for being a mentor!

• Welcome from the Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

  Welcome from the Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education 

  
  “Students cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. Students cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. Students cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”  
  - Cesar E. Chavez. 
   
  Welcome to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at the University of California, Riverside. I am grateful to serve as the Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education and to have you be part of a student's educational trajectory.  
   
  The TEP is home to a diverse group of students, staff, Supervisors of Teacher Education, and faculty. Students join a long lineage of distinguished educators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Over this academic year, students will embark on a rigorous journey that will require individual transformation. As you are aware, the work of becoming a teacher can be challenging and takes internal growth to be successful. This growth is a continued developmental process that will challenge students personally and professionally. Students will draw upon their experiences, diversity, and talent, to tackle the complexities facing education. As a District Cooperating Teacher, you will play a big role in this process. And we are so glad that you decided to be part of it! 
  You will be assisting, supporting, and encouraging students to bring their lived experiences and unique perspectives to the table. As members of the TEP community, you are valued and are an important part of our program. We recognize the contributions you will bring and how this will set in motion a series of events that will lead to changing future generations. Your mentorship will be vital as students move forward in their program trajectory.  
  You will be part of creating a leader of change! Your student has chosen to enter a career in teaching during a time of constant transitions and uncertainty. I look forward to your partnership and working alongside you, as does our Supervisor of Teacher Education.  
  I’m thrilled you have chosen to be part of the UCR TEP family and I’m confident that together we will make an impact in the Inland Empire, in California, nationally, and globally. Together with students, we will spark the changes needed for a better future in education. 
  Best wishes for an outstanding year!   
   
  Dr. Frances Valdovinos   
  Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education