Marvin A. Henry

Marvin Henry, a professor at Indiana State University, supervised countless student teachers for more than three decades. A pioneer in developing teaching internship and field experience, he soon became aware that there was not a substantial resource to assist cooperating teachers in their important supervisory endeavors once the student teacher arrived at the classroom door.

One late day after a week of supervision, he and another colleague decided to address the need. They began jotting notes from their observations and conversations with cooperating teachers and other professionals. The topics and skills important to effective supervision of student teachers began to emerge. That, dear readers, was the beginning of the first edition of Supervising Student Teachers the Professional Way. Energetically, Marvin set out to not only write the book but to self-publish. The first printing sold out in two months, and as a very useful, one-of-a-kind guide, it sold thousands of copies across the nation.

Fast forward a couple decades when Ann Weber was an instructional assistant professor at Illinois State University. Her interest was teacher education and particularly the student teaching phase where she quickly learned that cooperating teachers need a specialized set of supervisory skills to provide a successful field experience for student teachers. After years of working beside hundreds of cooperating teachers, she designed an online course to assist cooperating teachers in the development of their supervisory skills.

In searching for an appropriate book to use when teaching the course, she found Supervising Student Teachers the Professional Way, by that time in its sixth edition. Each semester, she made arrangements for her students to acquire the textbook and through those telephone conversations with Marvin, the two professors from adjoining states became colleagues and friends.

Eventually Ann prodded Marvin to update the book and Marvin replied that she was the one to do that task! 100 pages more, fresh references, added research, and current examples led to the printing of the 7th edition, with one additional decision. Rowman & Littlefield Education now publish the book and Marvin’s vehicles now have garage space since his garage no longer doubles as a book warehouse!

Even in its current edition, the book and its companion instructor’s guide continue as the go-to resource for cooperating teachers, field directors, teacher educators, and college supervisors.

Both Ann and Marvin have retired from the university schedule with a combined focus of over 60 years in higher education, not counting years as teachers in elementary, middle level, and secondary. They actively continue their involvement in teacher education and the professional development of cooperating teachers through writing, consulting, and presentations. They also enjoy time for gardening, traveling, reading, golfing, fishing, and family.