Tales of the Mentors: The Narrative of Seasoned Cooperating Teachers

The main objective of this qualitative study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of seasoned cooperating teachers. Using purposive sampling and inclusion criteria, the participating fourteen seasoned cooperating teachers from one public schools in Davao region were identified. All of them participated in the in-depth interview. Results revealed the experiences of the participants: encouraging both challenges and joy in sharing knowledge and experience; dealing with pedagogical challenges instructing on the formulation of lesson plan; handling behaviors atypical in the student-teachers dynamic; and providing support student-teachers in improving classroom management skills due to their lack of experience. In response to the challenges they have encountered, they deemed the following coping strategies essential: balancing and managing time; practicing open communication and feedbacking; consulting with colleagues for advice; and processing student-teachers self-reflection for guidance. Upon reflecting on their entire experience, they arrived at the following insights: inspire passion and commitment to the teaching profession; encourage continuous learning and personal development in teaching; consistently uphold diligence in dedication in teaching; and be a role model. The results of this study were deemed significant by the participants, teachers, student-teachers and researchers.