Student teaching may be defined as a complex intermingling of roles and institutions. Few, however, would dispute that the core of student teaching is that unique relationship which occurs between two persons--the student teacher and the cooperating teacher. This relationship may be explored by examining two alternative models for matching student teachers and cooperating teachers. The first model aims at some predetermined change by arranging a match based on a specified degree of disparity between two persons whereas the second model suggests a match which seeks congruency in a relationship. Based upon these two models, the alternative of mutual-choice placement is recommended. In addition to providing the opportunity for model synthesis or selection, mutual-choice placement maximizes the decision making process for those persons most involved--the student teacher and the cooperating teacher. (Author)