practice teaching and beyond… professional conduct and deportment …first impressions are lasting...

Practice Teaching and Beyond…

Professional Conduct and Deportment

…First Impressions are Lasting Ones

Professionalism

What is it?

A level of excellence / competence that is expected of a professional

Teacher Professionalism & the Ontario College of Teachers

SOURCE: 2007 Ontario Government

Under the Teaching Profession Act, “…every student in a teachers’ college or in a college of education in Ontario is an associate member of the Federation.”

As such, it is expected that all Teacher Candidates conform to the responsibilities and duties of a teaching professional.

Teacher Candidates should carefully read and demonstrate the Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession.

Standards have been developed by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) to guide the quality of instruction in Ontario schools and to promote excellence in the interactions between teachers, pupils and school communities.

What defines a True Teaching Professional?

Puts customer satisfaction first Expert & specialized knowledge in teaching Excellent practical/communication skills High quality work is in evidence – doing more than is expected High standard of professional ethics – behaviour & activities

related to teaching your clients Sharing knowledge and expertise Praising your peers not yourself Positive attitude even when times are tough


Contacting Your Associate Teacher

Teacher Candidates must contact their Associate Teacher prior to their first day of practicum

Initial contact should be by phone

If Associate is busy – ask for a better time to reach Associate

Follow up with any messages left at the school

Note: Many schools have online websites showing their daily schedules


1st Day of School Report to main office 30 minutes before school starts (start time

obtained from mentor)

Introduce yourself to the office administration & state why you are in the school

Request the classroom location for your Associate Teacher

Find your Associate Teacher and introduce yourself

Show your enthusiasm!


1st Day of School cont’d..

Review the Practicum Handbook with your Associate Teacher

Practicum Responsibilities:

Expectations: Page 10

Ask the Associate Teacher if there are any particular activities she/he would like you to do


First Impressions Count

Make an effort to get to know the names of the students by circulating in the class during seat work, assisting students, talking with students at the start/end of recess or out on the playground as you are supervising

Show your commitment to teaching by actively participating in the classroom and school community

Bring a lunch with you and have lunch in the staff room, mingle & talk with other teachers


Nervousness is normal. Take time each day to make observation notes in your Practicum Binder (recess, lunch, prep period)

Punctuality Contact your school prior to going to find out when the school day begins

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE UPON ENTERING THE SCHOOL

Upon arrival, introduce yourself at the school office. Plan to arrive at least a ½ an hour before classes begin and to remain at school at least 30 minutes after the formal end of the school day.

On subsequent days, follow the lead of your Associate Teacher. Stay as long as he/she needs you. Minimum of 30 minutes after school is expected.

Always be in the teaching area prior to the arrival of students (e.g. after recess or lunch, or when periods are scheduled to begin in high schools).

Call the Associate Teacher, Faculty Advisor and the Practicum Office if you are absent from your placement.

See page 8 of the Practicum Handbook


Attendance

See page 8 of the Practicum Handbook

Call the Associate Teacher and the Practicum Office if you are absent from your placement

Prepare the lessons as planned and provide for the Associate Teacher before classes begin, if absent

Must reschedule absent days in consultation with Associate Teacher

Medical certificate is required for any absence of two days or more

Participate in Professional Development Days as appropriate


Dress

On your first day, dress in business attire.

On subsequent days, dress appropriately for the individual school environment.

Exceptions in dress could include Phys. Ed., field trips, the paint centre, etc.


Language/Deportment Listen attentively and be respectful at all times when at your host school.

Strive to provide a positive model of oral and written language.

Be polite at all times.

Use gender inclusive language and avoid the use of slang.

You are a visitor – do not be drawn into school conflicts.

Avoid gossip and/or making inappropriate statements about students or staff both inside and outside of the school

Be aware of school rules (e.g., cell phones, security procedures, attendance, Health & Safety procedures)


Staffroom Talk

• Remember: the staffroom is a public place.

• Do not be drawn into criticizing other teachers or the administration.

• Frame discussions of student issues positively, with a focus on improving your own teaching practice.

• “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”


Confidential Information Confidential information is not to be shared

beyond the professional context.

This includes:

i) your informal observations about students

ii) information from student records such as OSRs, IEPs, and report cards

iii) information relating to home and family background

iv) information relating to medical conditions

v) information shared informally by teachers


Student Safety Refer any request to release a student from the classroom to your associate

teacher. You cannot legally assume the responsibilities of a certified teacher

Yard duty alone

Occasional teaching (supply)

Teaching alone in your Associate’s classroom

Protocol for dealing with severe allergies (e.g. storage of epi-pens) Familiarity with School’s Policy Handbook/Student Agenda Personal Safety: See Work/Education Placement Agreement Form on page 3

o of the Practicum Handbook


Social Media Facebook: Be aware of your presence on it both as a

student/teacher; reconsider pictures and message boards from an admin/parent perspective. Do not respond to invitations from your students.

Limit student internet contact to board/school approved uses

Do not post pictures of your students on Facebook

Ontario College of Teachers : Professional Advisory – Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media


http://www.oct.ca/resources/advisories/use-of-electronic-communication-and-social-media

Beyond the First Week

During your practicum, be prepared with your lesson plans. If you know you will be absent, you must provide plans to your associate.

If you are scheduled to teach a lesson, it is your professional responsibility to be prepared to do so.

Absenteeism during practicum could result in assignment of additional teaching time.

Avoid scheduling appointments during your practice teaching blocks. Professional behaviour at all times.


Professional Responsibilities

Teacher Candidates: Police Vulnerable Sector Check Transportation Attendance Practicum Binder Lesson Planning Complete Reflections Course-related Assignments Collaborate with Mentor


Professional Responsibilities

Know practicum expectations and review them with the Associate Teacher (page 10 of Practicum Handbook)

Practicum Schedule Consists of 10 Mondays during January, February and March Final week of placement April, 2013 Note: Refer to the Practicum Handbook for Practicum calendar

and dates (page 6 of Practicum Handbook)


Practicum Expectations


• See page 10 in the Practicum Handbook• Year 1 Expectations are as follows:

– Observe Associate Teacher and write observations– Maintain a Practicum Teaching Binder with ongoing observations, and written reflections for all lessons– Assist with small groups and regular classroom routines– Conduct a classroom routine by the end of January, or after completing 3 practicum teaching days (e.g.,

planned directions or questions), and complete written reflections following these activities.– Be actively involved with students in activities such as working with small groups, readings stories, playing

games, leading opening exercises and other varied activities– Plan the first lesson with one grade, if in a combined grade class– Co-plan and co-teach one lesson with Mentor, or Associate Teacher’s assistance by the end of January, or

after complete 4 practicum teaching days– Continue to work with Mentor and Associate Teacher to develop co-taught lessons– Continue to teach one lesson per week as appropriate– Teach one lesson per day during the 5 consecutive teaching days in April– Provide ongoing assistance and program support in the remaining class time

Mentorship See page 14 in the Practicum Handbook Each Novice will be placed with a Mentor from an upper year of the

program (Year 2 or 3) The pairs will ideally be placed within the same classroom if not in the

same school Work cooperatively with Mentor and Associate Teacher (co-plan and co-

teach) Communicate regularly and uphold confidentiality Foster a positive relationship with mentor: Provide feedback and

reflections to the mentor based on observations (constructive criticism) Demonstrate a positive attitude


Professional Concerns

If you encounter serious personal or professional concerns with which you require assistance, please feel free to contact:

The Practicum Office

519-752-1524 ext. 7503

Room 201, 50 Wellington Street

Deanne Osborne: [email protected]

Jamie McGinnis: [email protected]

Professional Resources

For additional information, please see:

Nipissing University’s Practicum Handbook 2013-2014

http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/brantford/practicum/Pages/Teacher-Candidate-Handbook.aspx

The “Foundations of Professional Practice” (Ontario College of Teachers)

http://www.oct.ca/publications/PDF/memos/0508_2005_e.pdf

Keys to Success

Be respectful to students, staff, admin, parents

Don’t forget to smile

Be enthusiastic, energetic & willing

Be punctual

Dress professionally

Learn student names

Questions?

practice teaching and beyond… professional conduct and deportment …first impressions are lasting...

Documents

ontario schools

ontario governmentcontacting

ontario governmentunder

ontario governmentnervousness

school office

school day beginsturn

associate teacherfind

phoneif associate