Illinois State University's McLean County Teacher Education Center has prepared a handbook for the cooperating teachers in its elementary student teaching program. This handbook serves as a guide for the cooperating teachers as they work with the teacher candidates throughout the semester. It can also serve as a model for the development of other cooperating teacher orientation programs. Each section provides material and information to be used by the cooperating teacher in developing a balanced student teaching experience. The first section defines the objectives, roles, and responsibilities within the program. Suggestions are given for preparing and establishing good relationships with teacher candidates. The communication section contains conferencing techniques, evaluation guidelines, and lesson critique forms. Another section contains the university and clinical requirements of teacher candidates during their student teaching. The final section describes formal evaluations used during the semester and tips for writing a letter of recommendation. (Author)