Student+Teachers

Dear Student Teachers,

You are required to maintain the highest level of professional behavior during your site visits. It is your responsibility to behave in a professionally acceptable fashion and to treat all aspects of this field experience responsibly. In accordance with university policy, students whose fieldwork performance is determined to be unsatisfactory by the university supervisor may be removed from the field experience prior to the end of the term. When you are at a school you need to realize that you are not just representing yourself. Your behavior is a reflection on all of us and the program you are enrolled in and can open or close doors in schools. While we realize that you have many student demands on you, when you enter a school you enter into a professional environment, which requires you to alter some of your behavior and how you present yourself. Below we have provided a list of expectations that we have for your behavior, links with helpful tips, and an explanation of what you may expect from your practicum teacher and university supervisor. Note that our list of expectations is not exhaustive and you need to use common sense when you engage in a professional environment. If you are unsure about proper behavior at any time consult with your practicum teacher and/or your university supervisor. If you stick to these guidelines you will have a wonderful time experiencing the joys of teaching.

__Expectations for Student Teachers__


 * Learn the school's behavior code(s) as quickly as you can.
 * Always clearly and timely communicate via phone or e-mail with your practicum teacher and university supervisor as well as fellow student teachers if you are in the same school.
 * Communicate in clear and proper English. Do not use abbreviations and texting language.
 * Dress professionally. Look at what teachers in the school wear to see what is acceptable. Some schools have a dress code. Read it and adjust your attire as necessary.
 * Be punctual and submit any requested documents on time. Meet all deadlines.
 * Introduce yourself to the main office staff. Always have your ID available.
 * Cell phones should be turned off at all times.
 * No texting, internet shopping and so on, while at the practicum.
 * You should not be completing any URI course work while at the practicum unless it is associated with the practicum.
 * Maintain a professional distance with students in the school, especially regarding social media.

__What you can expect from your Practicum Teacher(s) and University Supervisor__


 * To take you seriously, listen to your concerns, and advocate for your needs
 * To provide you useful and constructive feedback that will help you improve
 * To mentor you and coach you
 * To allow you to make mistakes and learn from these
 * To create a safe learning experience for you that is gradually scaffolded to more complexity
 * To help you navigate the many aspects of schools and professional behavior
 * To keep you to deadlines and agreements
 * To celebrate your successes with you

__Tips for Student Teachers__
 * 1) Top 10 Tips for Student Teachers: @http://712educators.about.com/od/teachingstrategies/tp/studentteaching.htm
 * 2) Tips for Student Teaching by Tessa (Australia): @http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=3031
 * 3) 100 essential tips and resources for student teachers: @http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/baptism-by-fire-100-essential-tips-and-resources-for-student-teachers/