Little is known about the social aspects of the student teaching experience. Case studies of one successful and one unsuccessful student teacher present characteristics that may be advantageous or detrimental to the success of the experience. A patron cooperating teacher, congruent beliefs about classroom management, the ability to put all other life needs aside and concentrate on student teaching, and the ability to work long and hard every day in a routine setting can help to make the experience effective and successful. Student teachers should also have a "good placement," involving an institution with congruent beliefs, a sensitive, supportive university supervisor, and a manageable environment. (Author/CJ)